« Back

Addressing Vaping Myths with Middle School Students

April 21st, 2021

One in four Louisiana middle schoolers is vaping. By the time those students reach high school, that number is one in three. Ochsner Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist Travis Costanza recently shared these statistics with sixth, seventh and eighth grade students. Costanza regularly speaks with students about the dangers of vaping, and his recent visit to Episcopal provided students the opportunity to learn more about common myths surrounding the practice.
 

1. Vaping is a safer alternative to cigarette smoking. - False

Costanza says while some people think of vaping as a safer smoking option or even a way to begin kicking the habit, vaping is not safer. In fact, he advises patients in the cessation program not to transition to vaping devices as a way to stop smoking. He points out that the ingredients in vaping liquids are harmful. “There’s a ton of unknown juices,” he says. “It’s like a science experiment in your hand.” In addition, Costanza advised students that while many people think that vaping liquid does not contain nicotine, there are high levels of the chemical present. “If you vape, you’re putting nicotine in your body,” he says. He says vaping allows for a deeper intake of nicotine because the chemicals are so much smoother on the throat and lungs.

2. Vaping is targeted at adults. - False

Costanza told students that teenagers have always been the target population for cigarette manufacturers, and the same is true for vaping companies. He says the companies, which are frequently owned by cigarette makers, use fonts, colors and flavors similar to popular candy, making the products eye-catching and giving the appearance that they are safe. Costanza says the developing brains of adolescents make them susceptible to experimenting with substances and becoming addicted, and once that happens it can be difficult for them to stop.
 

3. Girls are more likely to vape than boys. - True

Costanza asked the audience which gender vapes more, and many students speculated that boys are more likely to vape. However, Costanza says it is actually the girls. He pointed out that vaping devices are more discreet than traditional cigarettes making them easier to conceal. This ability to be discreet may lead some teens to try vaping.

Several students asked why vaping devices are allowed if they are known to be dangerous. “You have a chance to say no,” Costanza replied. He advised students that it is up to them to educate themselves and say no to harmful substances.
 
​The vaping presentation was part of Episcopal’s efforts to help students make healthy decisions. In addition to speaking with students, Costanza also hosted a virtual meeting with Middle School parents. Middle School Division Head Mark Engstrom says there are two strong reasons to bring experts to campus for important topics. “One, there is a natural tendency for children to begin to tune their parents out during Middle School and having them hear information from an expert matters because it’s a new voice,” he says. “When they hear it from an expert it has a greater chance of solidifying in their minds in a way that is less likely when they hear it from us. Two, I want our students to know that what they are hearing is up to date and unfiltered. We are bringing in experts because that’s the kind of experience you get with an Episcopal education.” Engstrom hopes the experience will provide students the information they need to stay safe. “I hope they took away that when you vape it isn’t simply water and it does damage your lungs,” he says. “Those who are in a more mature place should also feel empowered to remind others of the damage they are doing to their bodies when they vape.”
 
 
 
Posted in the categories All, Middle School.

Other articles to consider

RSS

Categories

Recent Articles

Archive