Understanding today’s vaping trends and dangers: Help teens make smart choices.

Vaping can harm teens’ health, causing addiction and lung issues. By understanding the facts, you’ll be better equipped to have open conversations and support your teen in making smart, healthy choices about vaping.
Stay informed and support your teen’s healthy, vape-free future.

Just the facts:
Teens + vaping

It's more than just water vapor.

In addition to nicotine, vapes include harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and heavy metals such as lead, nickel, and tin that can damage your lungs and other organs.

Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is addictive and impacts adolescent brain development, which is ongoing until the age of 25.
Teen brains become addicted to nicotine much faster than adult brains—sometimes after just a few uses—which makes it incredibly difficult to quit once you start.

Teens who vape have a higher risk of trying traditional cigarettes later.

Our survey results* help us guide our approach.

In April 2025, students in Meriden Public Schools grades 6–12 participated in the Youth Voices Count Survey* on youth lifestyles, substance use, mental health, related risk and protective factors. THE OVERALL RESPONSE RATE WAS 79%.

Your voice matters! Over 90% of Meriden youth say their parent or guardian would disapprove of them vaping.

Vaping is becoming more and more ubiquitous, but it can still be hard to detect. Here’s where Meriden youth most frequently vape.

Communicate the facts to your teen and help prevent them from picking up vaping. These are the top three ways Meriden youth say they acquire vapes.

*YOUTH VOICES COUNT | April 2025 survey
figures rounded to the nearest whole number

see the full SURVEY

When it comes to vaping, teens deal with real pressure. Here’s how you can help them handle it:

Know the truth:

Get the facts before you chat so you can address misinformation they are hearing.
Start with their world:

Ask “Do kids at your school vape?” This opens dialogue without putting them on the defensive.
Practice peer responses:

Role-play what they’ll say when offered a vape. Let them blame you as an easy out.
Address the “harmless” myth:

Many teens think vaping is safe. Explain that vaping is harmful, especially for kids.
Make yourself the easy option:

Create a code word they can text if they need an escape from pressure situations.
Connect it to their goals:

Tie the conversation to what they care about—sports, money, or getting in trouble at school.

Education empowers
positive change.

Knowing the facts about vaping and other substances helps you have real conversations with your kids. You don’t need to be an expert—just honest, informed, and present. That alone can make a big difference.

Adults! Get support + stay in the know.