To help inform parents about the dangers of tobacco use among children, Bristol Township School District is welcoming Nationally Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist David Fialko, of The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc., on Dec. 1, at 4 p.m. via Zoom, to talk about adolescent trends in the use of nicotine products. All are welcome to virtually attend his presentation “Tobacco Use, Vaping and Youth.”
Discussions will explore various forms of nicotine delivery trends, their potential to addiction, and known physical and psychological health risks associated with adolescent tobacco use. Fialko will also discuss what vape products are, the process of quitting these products, and available support for adolescents and their families.
E-cigarette use is currently on the rise among youth. An American Journal of Public Health article from February 2020 showed that in 2018, almost 29 percent of lifetime e-cigarette users began at or below the age of 14, a near four-fold increase from 2014. There was no such change in initiation ages for traditional cigarettes, cigars and smokeless tobacco.
“No matter how nicotine is delivered, it is harmful for adolescents and young adults,” said Fialko, who added that, while vaping may be a viable solution to help current smokers quit, it’s currently being slyly marketed as an introduction to nicotine dependence for the youth. “It ensures that an entire generation will continue to provide wealth and longevity to an industry that profits from harming the health and wellbeing of young adults and youth.”
Parents with school-aged children are encouraged to attend the presentation to become aware of the trends and start having conversations about vaping and nicotine use.
“My hopes are that parents increase their perceived harm regarding vaping and all forms of nicotine use while gaining information that they can use in helping prevent use or encourage current youth who use to quit,” said Fialko.
This project is made possible by funding through the Health Promotion Council and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Register for the event here.
