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La. (WAFB) – With back-to-school season underway, the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is encouraging adults to help students understand the risks of vaping, which they say remains a critical public health crisis
According to the state health department, nearly one in four Louisiana students vape, which is three times the national average
The 2023 Louisiana Youth Tobacco Survey reports that 30% of high school students and 18% of middle school students currently vape, making Louisiana the third-highest state in the nation for high school vaping
According to the health department, the toxic chemicals found in vaping products damage adolescent brain, lung, and heart development
The health department said nicotine, delivered through vapes, pouches, or traditional cigarettes, permanently alters brain development, drives mental health struggles, and primes the brain for addiction
LDH called upon parents, caregivers, teachers, health care providers, and community partners to talk to students about these risks
One of their major concerns is how easy it is to access tobacco. LDH stated that four in five Louisiana youth report purchasing vape or nicotine products in gas stations or retail stores
The health department said social media platforms, product placement, and depictions of nicotine use in entertainment for younger audiences are proven catalysts for youth behavioral shifts
They estimate that nearly 70% of Louisiana youth reported seeing nicotine-related advertisements at retail stores or on social media
- Parents and caregivers: Shape early attitudes by discussing nicotine risks, exploring social influences, and recognizing the early signs of vaping.
- Schools: Establish comprehensive, vape-free environments that deter initiation and provide a safety net for students seeking to quit.
- Health care providers: Create confidential, clinically safe spaces to address nicotine use and directly connect youth with cessation tools.
- Communities: Build protective environments, enforce local retail policies, and deploy youth-focused resources.
- Live Vape Free: Louisiana youth ages 13-17 can receive free and unlimited text-based counseling support. Enroll by texting “VAPEFREE” to 873373.
- Unfiltered Facts: This Louisiana youth prevention resource offers the education and tools necessary to empower youth to make informed health decisions about tobacco and nicotine.
Resources for parents
- Adult Advocate Program: Designed specifically for Louisiana families, this online module helps parents navigate conversations with teens about vaping and support through the quitting process.
- American Lung Association Vaping Conversation Guide: Evidence-based guidelines to support parents in initiating effective conversations with youth about vape use.
Resources for schools
- Vape-Free Schools Administrators Training: The online module guides school leaders in building vape-free campuses through clear policies, strong education standards, and accessible cessation support.
- Vape-Free Schools Toolkit: An online collection of resources designed to support K-12 Louisiana educators in integrating tobacco prevention education into their lessons.
Resources for health care providers
- Youth Vape Use — Online Training for Health Care Providers: Health care providers learn best practice guidelines to screen, treat, and respond specifically to youth e-cigarette use. Providers will receive one hour of CME credits upon completion.
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