When the Fentanyl Fathers came to South to give a presentation on the fatal drug, they left hundreds of copies of the book “Victoria’s Voice.” The backend of the book provides information about various substances that threaten individuals every day. While it highlighted some of the most lethal substances, like heroin and cocaine, it also included tobacco products and marijuana. While I was not surprised to hear of their harmful effects, I recognized that it was important that these facts be shared, given the popularity nicotine and THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) have achieved through modern devices, particularly among youth. It is no secret that American high schools are facing a vaping epidemic, and South is no exception. At first thought, educating teens about the dangers of these products can potentially prevent and/or hinder their usage; however, it is common knowledge that vapes can be detrimental to health, yet young people (and adults) are turning to them now more than ever. This begs the question, why do teens feel the need to vape, and why haven’t the negative stigma and discussions about their adverse impacts been effective?
In 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 1.63 million students were currently using e-cigarettes, with 26.3% of those students using one every day. Furthermore, they stated in 2022 that 30.7% of high school seniors had reported using cannabis in the past year. There are many reasons for this high usage, with a leading one being marketing. In the same way energy drink companies like Alani have advertised towards younger kids, vape companies have targeted vulnerable youth to sell their product by using vibrant coloring and excessive exuberant flavoring. While all nicotine devices have warnings and 21+ labels, let’s be honest: these aren’t stopping anyone who has the desire to vape. Factors that have led to increased illegal substance abuse among teens include stress relief, battling mental health challenges and boredom. While there are alternative solutions to each of these issues, younger kids have chosen the route of addictive, cognitive-altering chemicals.
As stated, there are alternative solutions to issues that may lead a student to vape, but they are not always presented. Simply telling a student not to vape will not solve anything. Even educating them on the health risks has proven to be greatly unsuccessful. Rather than lecturing minors on this habit, you have to help find the reason why they are doing it, and find a productive, legal replacement for vaping. Whether it be personal problems, oral fixation, flavor or more that attracts youth to these products, there is something healthier they can be doing to satisfy this void, and trusted authority figures must help the process of finding these alternatives if they want to counter this crisis. Being focused on rehabilitation over punishment is the only way forward, as nicotine addiction haunts Gen Z.
