Vaping & E-Cigarettes

Despite governmental restrictions and the alarming and highly-publicized health risks of tobacco, today’s teens are smoking cigarettes and e-cigarettes at a startling rate. Vaping and e-cigarettes are providing an accessible and sneaky way for kids to smoke – some vape pens and juuls work without fumes or visible vapors to give them away. And at BHS, there’s a whole lot of vaping going on, increasing nicotine consumption and providing new ways to smoke marijuana.

The recent presentation "The Truth About Vaping" by Caron Treatment Center’s Education Alliance offered parents a wealth of information and strategies regarding the troubling epidemic of vaping among Brookline youth. Click here for The Bottom Line takeaway of key points and recommended resources. 

What are e-cigarettes?
Vaping and e-cigarettes are an accessible and sneaky way for kids to smoke – some vape pens and Juuls work without fumes or visible vapors to give them away. 
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What are the laws and policies around vaping and e-cigarettes?
  • Students and staff are not allowed to smoke within 400 feet of any school building at BHS. 
  • ​In Brookline, you have to be 21 or older to purchase tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. BHS Peer Leaders initially proposed this legislation to reduce teen access to tobacco products.
  • In 2011, a unanimous vote at Special Town Meeting banned pharmacies and educational institutions from selling tobacco products in Brookline.

How do I talk to my teen about vaping and e-cigarettes?
If you're looking for persuasive arguments to dissuade your teen from smoking, try appealing to his/her vanity. The FDA is targeting teens with information about the damage smoking can do to skin, teeth and breath.
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Juuls are a popular brand of e-cigarette. / Source: The Truth Initiative
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E-cigarette devices come in a variety of shapes and sizes. / Source: National Institute of Drug Abuse
​The Truth About Vaping
Vaping continues to be a big issue with teens, sometimes with deadly consequences. (Follow the latest news on our Facebook page.) The Fall 2019 parent presentation "The Truth About Vaping"  by Caron Treatment Center’s Education Alliance offered parents a wealth of information and strategies regarding the troubling epidemic of vaping among Brookline youth. Click here for The Bottom Line takeaway of key points and recommended resources. 

Survival Guide to Parenting Teens -- Child development expert Joani Geltman shares her wit and wisdom on parenting in this Parent Update.
Teen Esteem offers some excellent videos on substance use, with a persuasive 12-minute clip on teen vaping. 

Additional Reading & Resources