Vaping addiction among teenagers on the rise, reveals new UGA survey data

As the summer season rolls in and teenagers spend more time with friends or attend summer camps, recent studies have shown that more and more of them are becoming addicted to vaping.

Investigative journalist Linda Stouffer from Channel 2 delved into the concerning trend of young students, some as young as seven years old, consuming vapes in new and alarming ways.

According to a recent survey conducted by the University of Georgia, almost 20% of high school students in Georgia have admitted to vaping. However, experts in drug prevention programs believe that the use of e-cigarettes starts at an even younger age.

Several school districts in the United States have implemented diversion programs for students who are caught vaping.

According to Doctor Christina Proctor, a researcher at UGA’s College of Public Health who specializes in studying teen substance abuse, there is a growing concern regarding the impact of frequent substance use on brain development.

Proctor emphasized that vaping products contain a potent psychoactive substance, and there is still much to learn about the potential impact of the chemicals added to these products on the human body.

Children today are not limited to vaping nicotine alone.

A recent research published in JAMA Pediatrics in 2022 revealed that the number of teenagers who vape marijuana has increased twofold from 2013 to 2020.

As parents, it is crucial to stay updated on the latest trends and warning signs associated with vaping. It is essential to understand the current vaping landscape to better educate our children and protect them from the potential dangers of this harmful habit.

Vaping devices have been designed to resemble ordinary objects, such as watches, USB drives, and pens.

It’s worth noting that many kids tend to gravitate towards vapes with sweet flavors. This means that detecting fruity or candy-like scents could be a sign of vaping taking place.

If your child is experiencing an unusually dry mouth, it could be a sign that they are vaping. This is because vaping has a tendency to cause dryness in the mouth, leading to an increased need for water consumption.

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MBS Staff
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