Taking the High Road

Federal health officials have declared teen vaping as an ‘epidemic’ ever since vaping rates in young adults increased by more than 78 percent over this past year alone. Although there isn’t a clear-cut answer to getting to the bottom of this ‘epidemic,’ several ideas have been offered and are being considered. Students as well as parents need to be more informed about the negative impacts along with the repercussions of vaping. Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is planning to further expand its anti-tobacco movement. This campaign is most notably known as “The Real Cost” which was first initiated to educate young adults. Through the use of posters in high schools and digital ads on social media platforms, the message that e-cigarettes cause health consequences is prompting teenagers to reconsider their decisions. A more assertive approach has also been proposed by the FDA as reported in a 2018 New York Times article. Steps to limit or ban the sale of products such as flavored e-cigarettes, menthol cigarettes, and flavored cigars are in the process. While the removal of these products from stores could take at least two years, the proposed ban will help push the anti-vaping movement in the right direction.