Vaping is continuing to rise among youth. The Centers for Disease Control report that in 2021, 1 in 9 high school students said they had vaped in the past month. Two recent studies demonstrate the increases.

Research from Columbia University found that the frequency of vaping cannabis among adolescents from all demographic groups is reported at six or more times per month, and rising faster than occasional use. Those who vape and smoke nicotine are more than 40 times more likely to also vape and smoke cannabis. The largest increases were found among high-school seniors, tripling in 2 years from 5 to 14 percent.

Research from the University of Alabama and the University of Michigan discovered that adolescents who use e-cigarettes are over three times more likely to use cannabis than those who don’t.

Experts encourage parents to prevent vaping with these tips:

• Role model positive life choices by not vaping or smoking.
• Have an open conversation with your teen about vaping. Provide your teen with facts about vaping and its harm. However, it’s important in these types of conversations to listen to your teen, not lecture. Ask for your teen’s opinion and find out what they have seen their peers do or say about the subject.
• Set clear expectations with your teen about drug use. Research consistently shows that parents are a powerful influence on their children’s likelihood to experiment with drugs and alcohol. Teens need to hear a consistent message from you that you expect them to avoid substance abuse so that they are prepared to say no when tempted.
• Talk to your teen about strategies to resist peer pressure. “Just say no” does not work in the real world of adolescence. If you would like suggestions, please read our previous blog, Helping Teens Be Prepared to Say No.