Local health experts in Nevada are raising alarms about the continuing public health threat posed by vaping and e-cigarette use among students. The Southern Nevada Health District highlighted concerns in a recent news release, noting the increasing challenge this issue presents for parents, educators, and health professionals as the school year begins.
According to the 2023 Nevada Youth Risk Behavior Survey, nearly one-third of high school students and about one-sixth of middle school students in Clark County have tried e-cigarettes. While vaping rates among high school students have slightly decreased from 36.7% in 2021 to 31.9% in 2023, rates among middle school students have risen from 12.6% to 15.8% during the same period.
Vapes and e-cigarettes typically contain nicotine, a substance known for its addictive properties and potential to harm brain areas responsible for attention, learning, mood, and impulse control. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that nicotine can also hinder brain development and increase the risk of future drug addictions.
The Southern Nevada Health District attributes the rise in youth vaping to factors such as marketing, peer influence, and appealing e-cigarette flavors. Notably, 74% of students using social media have encountered e-cigarette-related content. Additionally, 34.8% of Las Vegas public schools are located within 1,000 feet of a tobacco retailer, facilitating easier access to these products.
Most students who vape report obtaining their devices from friends, family, or acquaintances. Peer influence is a significant factor, with 32.3% of students indicating they received their first vape from a friend.
For students seeking to quit vaping, the health district recommends resources such as gethealthyclarkcounty.org, the Truth Initiative’s EX Program, and the American Lung Association’s NOT for Me online program. The district also offers resources for educators and administrators working with students who use nicotine.
