A new survey by the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living shows an alarming rise in e-cigarette use among middle and high school students.
According to the latest numbers, nearly 32 percent of high schoolers and 15 percent of middle schoolers have used vape products more than once.
These numbers have doubled since 2017 and tripled since 2015.
"We strongly encourage Louisiana's educational leadership and policy makers to heed these alarming youth vape statistics," said Tonia Moore, director of TFL. "Without regulations for vape products at the state level and addiction counseling at the school and community level for our young people, they will continue to receive misinformation from Big Tobacco and vapor industry influencers that puts their health in immediate jeopardy."
"One of TFL's main goals is to prevent the initiation of all tobacco use among young people," said Moore. "We will continue to work with school districts around the state to train students, parents, and educators about the dangers of these products and long-term effects they have on the body and brain development."
As interest around vaping has intensified, TFL has seen an increase in the number of requests for these trainings. The presentations are particularly beneficial because they address common misconceptions about vaping, vaping terminology, and the nicotine content in vape products, among others. To request a training for your school or organization, please email tobaccofreeliving@lphi.org. Educational materials and fact sheets are also available for use here in the "Youth and Young Adult Section."
