In hallways, bathrooms and even classrooms, nicotine is in Oklahoma schools. Nicotine products have infiltrated backpacks, pencil cases and lockers at an alarming rate, and 60% of parents whose teens vape have no idea it’s happening.¹
In Oklahoma, 21.8% of high schoolers vape, more than double the national average of 7.8%. This means more than one in five Oklahoma high schoolers are currently vaping.²
“Vapes and other nicotine products, like pouches, are growing in popularity, especially among kids and teens.”
— DeAndre, Oklahoma Counselor
“I regularly see sixth graders vape — and kids are starting as early as fifth grade. Young kids who have been caught multiple times have said they can’t stop. They’re becoming addicted.”
— Nicole, Oklahoma School Administrator
The Elementary and Middle School Problem
What was once primarily a high school issue is now affecting younger students. According to an educator poll conducted by the Truth Initiative, children as young as 10 and 11 years old are experimenting with and becoming addicted to nicotine products.³ Oklahoma’s youth are encountering addiction before they’ve fully developed the cognitive tools to understand the consequences or resist peer pressure.
“These devices are so discreet that kids can bring them to school undetected. We don’t catch them until they’re using them in the bathrooms or at recess.”
— Nicole, Oklahoma School Administrator
Modern vapes are designed to look like everyday items students already carry. They resemble USB drives, highlighters, phone chargers and other tech accessories. Some manufacturers are even integrating vaping technology into jackets and hoodies to help students hide them from educators and parents. This deliberate design makes them virtually invisible to educators and parents.
The devices can be easily hidden in:
- Pencil cases
- Backpacks
- Phone cases
- Hoodie pockets
- Makeup bags
Unlike cigarettes, they produce minimal odor and leave no lingering smell on clothing, making detection even more challenging.
“It’s very easy for teens to purchase vapes. Many ask older friends and know which retailers don’t ask for identification. Some teens even use social media to find ‘buyers.’ It’s not hard at all.”
— Carina, Recent Oklahoma High School Graduate
How Students Access Vapes
Despite age restrictions, teens are still managing to get their hands on nicotine products through:
- Older Friends: Older peers or coworkers purchase products for them.
- Social Media: Teens use platforms like Snapchat to share information on which retailers fail to check IDs properly.
- Online Retailers: Many online sellers have lax age verification methods and offer discreet shipping options specifically designed to help teens hide products from parents. Vapes can arrive at your doorstep without you ever knowing.⁴
- Low Prices: Most disposable vapes cost between $5 and $20, making them financially accessible to students.
“Because nicotine can lead to a rush of dopamine, many teens have admitted trying vapes to ease their mental health struggles — when it actually harms mental health. Vape companies capitalize on this.”
— Kelly Gorton, Oklahoma Health Expert
The Physical and Mental Effects
Four out of five teens who vape started to deal with stress and anxiety. Nicotine can permanently impact critical functions for developing brains, including the areas that control learning, focus, mood and self-control.
What many teens don’t realize is that nicotine actually makes anxiety and depression worse. The tobacco industry has recognized this vulnerability and markets products accordingly.
“These devices can have a devastating impact on physical health. Teens who vape often experience decreased endurance, shortness of breath, slow recovery times and an increased risk of injury.”
— Kelly Gorton, Oklahoma Health Expert
The impact on student health and academic performance is measurable:
- Athletic Performance: Student athletes who vape may experience decreased endurance and slower recovery times, affecting their ability to compete and participate in sports.
- Classroom Impact: Nicotine addiction can cause difficulty concentrating, restlessness and mood swings that disrupt learning.
- Long-Term Development: Effects can be especially devastating on developing bodies, with potential lifelong consequences.
The prevalence of vaping in Oklahoma schools represents a public health crisis that requires awareness and action from parents and educators. Today’s students have unprecedented access to highly addictive products marketed directly to them. The combination of marketing, accessibility, peer influence and stress has created a perfect storm for teen nicotine addiction.
“Our kids are navigating a world that looks very different from the one we grew up in. Understanding the decisions they face and having conversations with them early and often can protect their future.”
— DeAndre, Oklahoma Counselor
Every conversation matters. If you are a parent or educator, or have a teen in your life you care about, the best thing you can do is talk with them about their experiences with nicotine. You don’t have to be an expert. You just need to be present, honest and check in often. Get up-to-date statistics, product descriptions and health risks in the Ultimate Guide To Vaping, or get talking tips for every age with downloadable conversation guides. If you’re looking for a memorable way to learn the facts about vaping together, check out the interactive experience. Find all these resources plus more tips to help you get the conversation started at TalkAboutTobacco.com.