E-cigarettes have become popular among middle and high school students, but not as a traditional quitting method. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2012 more than 1.78 million middle and high school students nationwide had tried using e-cigarettes. An e-cigarette is an electronic device that releases nicotine and additional additives to users through an aerosol form. Many teens are not aware of the dangers that these e-cigarette pose. In fact as stated by the Huffington Post, e-cigarettes are more dangerous than a regular cigarette. If the liquid nicotine is absorbed on skin it can lead to seizures or potentially death. This could be a very large problem for small children who accidentally get their hands on an e-cigarette.
Teens should be cautious of this new trend. Although it may eliminate the risk of cancer, it directly affects the brain in return. While students may believe these e cigarettes are safer for people to use than traditional cigarettes, others are aware of their harmful effects.
“They are safer because there is no secondhand smoke, opposed to regular cigarettes that affect everyone around the smoker,” stated senior Victoria Papach.
So many middle and high school students are interested in using e-cigarettes because they are considered “cool” and “trendy.” They now come in a variety of different colors and designs such as cheetah print and flames. These designs appeal to the younger audience because teens often think they are less harmful but still boost their popularity level.
“E-cigarettes are so trendy amongst the middle and high school students because young people our age want to try something new, and if they think it is better for them they will be more willing to use it,” said junior James Nabors III.