They say it takes a village to raise a child. Well, protecting them is no different! When it comes to substance use/misuse prevention work among the youth, in order to succeed, we need a community effort!
In regards to youth vaping, one of the root causes for its current prevalence deals with social access in which youth are accessing these tobacco products from local gas stations and convenience stores. Therefore, we must educate our tobacco retailers, owners, and clerks of these establishments of the “Tobacco 21” law, making sure they understand that the minimum age for sale of tobacco products is now 21 years of age. We must encourage these same groups to be more diligent in ID-ing ALL patrons before selling tobacco products and reiterating the legalities and consequences of selling tobacco products to those younger that 21. We can also make a effort to reinforce these positive behaviors among tobacco retailers by giving recognition and reward to those that are consistent in ID-ing patrons and not providing tobacco products to minors. Through these efforts we are reducing the access that youth have to vapes, juuls, cigarettes, and other tobacco products, protecting them from the associated health consequences and promoting healthier lifestyles!
If your child or a child you know is currently vaping/smoking and unable to stop, please contact the child’s health care provider, school counselor, or other trusted professional to discuss ways to help them quit. You can also check out some of these other resources below:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Quitline: 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)
The National Cancer Institute Quitline: 877-44U-QUIT (877-448-7848)
You can also text “TALK” to 85775 to receive other quit resources!