According to the latest survey data the number of teens who say they’ve used e-cigarettes, or vaped, has increased considerably over the past year. Data from the National Youth Tobacco Survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found 28% of high school students reported using nicotine e-cigarettes in the past 30 days — that’s up from just over 20% in 2018. For middle schoolers that rate more than doubled from 5% in 2018 to 11% in 2019.
Researchers say the popularity of e-cigarettes shaped like USB flash drives, and containing flavors like bubble gum or peppermint, have contributed to these increases. And health officials warn that nicotine exposure during adolescence can harm the developing brain, which continues to develop until about age 25 years. But it’s not just nicotine that teens are vaping, but also products containing THC.
Today we’re learning about education and prevention efforts in Collier County Public Schools with Dr. Peggy Aune, Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction; Chad Oliver, Executive Director of Communications and Community Engagement; and Sgt. Tiffany Castle with the Youth Relations Bureau at the Collier County Sheriff’s Office.
