Vaping and Nicotine may not be What you Think: 

Get the FACTS

From Ms. Geneva, our Substance Use Prevention Coordinator

A group of four children, two boys and two girls, are laughing and interacting in a bright indoor setting, with a logo for 'ATLAS Mental Health and Wellness' at the bottom of the image.

For Parents:

We know, we know—vaping seems like the "cool" thing to do these days. But let's take a quick pause and talk about why it’s not as glamorous as it is made it out to be. You may think it's just taking a puff of flavored air, but there’s a lot more going on with vaping (and nicotine) than meets the eye. It’s tough, your teen comes home and casually mentions vaping and suddenly you’re left wondering what

to do next: Here’s the thing, vaping isn’t a harmless alternative to smoking. Many e-cigarettes contain not just nicotine but other chemicals that can hurt your child’s lungs and overall health. And those fruity flavors? They are known to have caused long-term lung damage in cases of teens already. 

As parents, it’s important to have open, honest conversations about what vaping does—without the scare tactics, but with the facts. Talk about the dangers of addiction, the risk of lung damage, and the long-term impact nicotine can have on their mental health.

For Students:

Vaping may look smooth, but it’s got some serious risks you don’t want to ignore. Nicotine is addictive – that’s not just a “mom/dad/teacher" thing, it’s science! The younger you are, the more likely nicotine can mess with your brain. Yep, your brain is still growing, and adding nicotine is like throwing a wrench into a fancy car engine—it can cause memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and mood swings.

Did you know? Nicotine is linked to anxiety and depression. So, while that “cool” vape might seem like it’s helping you fit in, it’s more likely to keep you feeling out of control and left out. 

The Bottom Line:

Vaping might seem cool, but it’s a risky game that’s not worth playing. For teens, it's about your health, your brain, and your future. For parents, it’s about guiding their teens with the truth and helping them make smarter choices. Together, we can prevent vaping. Let's stick to the things that keep us happy, healthy, and in control.

Stay informed, stay healthy.

Have questions or concerns? Ms. Geneva is here to help!

Contact her at gsmedley