Vaping and nicotine addiction in teenagers continue to be an issue across the country.
A new study by the Medical University of South Carolina reports that girls are vaping at a higher rate than boys since 2021.
In New Haven, public schools are partnering with Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) to educate middle and high schoolers about vaping’s health risks through the state’s Nicotine Prevention Program.
Brittany Fernandez and Domenica Macancela are 8th graders at Fair Haven School.
Prior to the presentation, Fernandez said vaping can cause health issues, and Macancela said she was aware it was dangerous for children and adults.
Following the presentation, the two learned the specific ways vaping and nicotine can impact their health.
“I learned that nicotine is a highly addictive substance that can cause depression, anxiety, and mood swings,” said Fernandez.
“Vape has many chemicals, and it affects your health, your heart, lungs, and even the brain,” said Macancela.
Avery Katz, Senior Public Health Major at SCSU, said the presentations not only focus on associated health risks but on clearing up misconceptions teens may have.
“A lot of people think that vaping is better than cigarettes, but that hasn’t proven to be true,” Katz said. “A lot of things are considered natural that are a part of these products but just because they’re natural but just because it comes from the earth, doesn’t make it safe for humans.”
When asked why she believes girls might vape more than boys, Macancela said: “I think girls have more problems with their life and relationships.”
Fair Haven School Principal Monica Morales said she hasn’t noticed a distinction of which groups are vaping more than others at her school, but believes 8th grade is a good age to educate students.
“We don’t always want to be punitive: we want to be preventative within the schools,” said Morales.
