Tobacco-Free Youth

Teenagers who use tobacco don’t always look like pack-a-day cigarette smokers. Many of them do something called vaping. Because vaping is a newer concept, many adults aren’t always aware of it.

What is vaping?

Vaping is the inhaling of a vapor created by an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or other vaping device. E-cigarettes are battery-powered smoking devices. They have cartridges filled with a liquid that usually has nicotine, flavorings, and chemicals.

How is vaping dangerous?

Nicotine is very addictive and can affect brain development. Because vaping is new, we don’t know how it affects the body over time. We do know that the nicotine in e-cigarettes:

• Is very addictive.
• Can slow brain development in kids and teens.
• Can affect memory, concentration, learning, self-control, attention, and mood.
• Can increase the risk of other types of addiction as adults.

It’s vital as parents to support your kids and teens who want to quit. Call the Michigan Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) and work with a Youth Quit Coach today. This is one of the best ways to help your child to quit vaping or using other tobacco products. The Quitline has free coaching, quit plan, and educational materials tailored just for teenagers who vape or use other tobacco products.

Tobacco-Free Texting Apps

Over 72% of teens prefer texting. Texting apps might be a great way to keep your child engaged in a tobacco-free program. Here are some great tobacco-free texting apps you can suggest to your child:

• This is Quitting
  This texting app is targeted towards teens and young adults who smoke and use e-cigarettes, including vapes. The app has quit stories from real-life young adults. It also has:
  • fun gif posts about quitting.
  • strategies and tips to stay tobacco-free.
  • access to free expert counseling 24/7.

Your child can join for free by texting DITCHVAPE to 88709

• My Life, My Quit™
  This texting app is targeted towards teens who smoke or vape. The app includes tips to cope with stress in healthy ways, motivational texts while your child quits, and more! Teens can also text or chat with a professional quit coach.

Your child can join for free by texting Start My Quit to 36072.

• SmokefreeTXT for Teens
  This is a free texting program through Smoke-Free Teen, a program offered by the National Institute of Health (NIH). It’s geared towards teens and young adults who smoke tobacco or vape.
  Your child can join for free by texting QUIT to 47848.
• DipfreeTXT for Teens
  This is a free texting program through Smoke-Free Teen, a program offered by the National Institute of Health (NIH). It’s geared towards teens and young adults who use smokeless tobacco products, like snuff, dip, chew, etc.
  Your child can join for free by texting SPIT to 222888
• quitSTART
  This app is targeted towards teen smokers and e-cigarette users. The app has tailored tips, inspiration, and challenges. Teens can also track their progress and earn badges for tobacco-free milestones and other wins.
  Your child can join for free by downloading the quitSTART app.

Which resource is best for my child?

There are lots of resources out there. This can make it hard to figure out the best resource for your child. That’s why we’ve put together a chart to help you decide. Use the chart below to compare different features and find the best app for your child.

I’m a smoker. Could this keep my child from quitting?

Kids are quick to spot gaps between what their parents say and do. Most kids say that the adult they most want to be like when they grow up is their parent. If you are a smoker or use tobacco, do these two things:

1. Admit that you made a mistake by starting to smoke. Say that if you could have a do-over, you’d never start.
2. It’s not simple. It may also take a few tries and the extra help of a program or support group. But, your kids will be encouraged as they see you overcome your addiction to tobacco.

If you would like help with quitting tobacco, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) for free resources and support.

Another program you can check out is BecomeAnEX. In this program, you can indicate that you’re the parent of a child who vapes. You have access to hands-on information about how nicotine addiction works and find ways to quit. You will also have access to a supportive online community.

Do you speak another language?

• Español [Spanish]– 1-855-DÉJELO-YA

Tobacco-Free Youth Resources
KidsHealth Smoke-Free Videos
Become a Smokefree Teen
Five Ways Quitlines Help
Benefits of Quitting Tobacco Use
Former Smokers Share Stories