Youth use of tobacco products in any form is unsafe, regardless of whether it is smoked, smokeless, or electronic.
In some teens, all it takes is 1 cigarette a month to show signs of addiction.
Teens who smoke can develop smaller, weaker lungs that never grow to their full size of perform the best they can.
E-Cigarettes
E-cigarettes entered the U.S. marketplace around 2007, and since 2014, they have been the most commonly used tobacco product among U.S. youth. Nicotine is found in most e-cigarettes which can cause addiction, may harm brain development, and could lead to continued tobacco product use among youth.
Information for Parents
As a parent, you have an important role to play in preventing tobacco use.
Set a good example by being tobacco-free. If you use tobacco products, it is never too late to quit. Click here to discover more about quitting tobacco.
Adopt tobacco-free rules including e-cigarettes, in your home and vehicle
Talk to your child or teen about why e-cigarettes are harmful for them. It is never too late. Get the Surgeon General’s tip sheet for parents: Talk With Your Teen About E-cigarettes
Let your child know that you want them to stay away from all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, because they are not safe for them.
Set up an appointment with your child’s health care provider so they can hear from a medical professional about the health risks of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.
