In 2025, e-cigarettes were the most used tobacco product among middle and high school students in the United States. About 1.44 million students reported current e-cigarette use, according to the Annual National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS).
For parents and caregivers, understanding the risks of teen vaping can make it easier to recognize potential e-cigarette use and start an open conversation about nicotine.
Dr. Jose Cucalon Calderon,Pediatrics Physician at Renown Health and Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, explains what parents should know about e-cigarettes and the dangers it poses to kids and teens.
What Are E-Cigarettes and Why Are They Harmful?
E-cigarettes, sometimes called vapes or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), are battery-powered devices that heat a liquid into an aerosol that users inhale.
While they’re often marketed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes still contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance that affects brain development and can lead to long-term dependence — especially in young people.
Nicotine is only part of the problem. E-cigarettes include other harmful ingredients found in vape liquid (“E-juice”), including heavy metals, ultrafine particles and toxic chemicals that can harm the lungs and cardiovascular system.
Why Are Teens Vulnerable to Vaping?
Several factors can influence young people to start or continue vaping, including marketing with the bright packaging, sweet flavors and trendy branding to the social influences and the effects of nicotine.
According to the FDA:
In 2025, 89.4% of youth who vape used flavored products like candy or fruit.
Nearly 1 in 4 teen vapers reported daily use, a strong indicator of nicotine addiction.
Over half of students reported using flavors with “ice” or “iced” in the name.
The most used vaping product was disposable devices (66.3%).
These targeted messages — paired with easy access to products, make it harder for teens to resist or quit.
How Vaping Impacts Teen and Child Health
As the teenage brain continues to develop during adolescence, potential nicotine exposure effects learning, attention, mood and impulse control. Nicotine is highly addictive, making e-cigarettes difficult to quit. This makes prevention and early conversation about vaping important for parents and guardians.
Liquid nicotine is highly concentrated, and even a single teaspoon can be fatal if ingested by a small child. Keeping vape products locked away and out of reach helps protect the entire household.
What Are the Health Risks of Vaping?
Vaping devices have been on the market for a relatively short period of time, with evidence-based health effects and complications still being discovered. Vaping poses many harmful risks to children and teens such as:
Chest pain
Difficulty breathing
Dizziness Headaches
Impaired response to infection in the airway
Inflammatory problems of the airway
Nausea
Nicotine addiction
Seizures
Vomiting
How Do I Know If My Teen Uses E-Cigarettes?
Unlike traditional cigarettes, monitoring your children’s potential e-cigarette use can be tricky for parents to recognize. Some vaping products may leave little to no odor. Vaping is often associated with a dry cough or chronic throat/mouth irritation.
Overall, increasing research shows strong links between mental health conditions and tobacco use, along with increased risk of marijuana use.
All parents are strongly encouraged to have an open conversation with their children about the potential dangers of e-cigarettes.
Resources for Parents and Teens
Quitting Support for Teens & Parents: Click here for more information about how to stop smoking or vaping, with resources tailored to both teens and caregivers.
Conversation Guide: View the U.S. Surgeon General's Tip Sheet to help guide parents talk with their children about the risks of vaping.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 📞 1-800-662-HELP (4357) A free, confidential helpline available 24/7, 365 days a year, in English and Spanish.
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