In recent years, Oklahoma has made significant progress in reducing adult smoking rates, but another alarming issue has emerged: youth vaping. Originally marketed as a safer alternative to traditional smoking, vaping has hooked an entire generation on nicotine. With 21.8% of Oklahoma high school students using e-cigarettes — more than double the national average — the impact of vaping on young Oklahomans cannot be ignored.
From the enticing flavors to the discreet designs and targeted marketing, the tobacco industry is always finding new ways to addict youth. While most e-cigarettes don’t contain tobacco, many are loaded with nicotine — a highly addictive substance that can cause long-lasting damage.
A Mental and Physical Health Crisis
The rise in youth vaping is closely tied to the broader teen mental health crisis. Big Tobacco markets vapes as stress relievers. According to the Truth Initiative, a majority of young e-cigarette users began vaping as a way to cope with stress, anxiety or depression during the pandemic. Tragically, this false advertising has left many teens battling nicotine addiction instead.
Nicotine exposure during adolescence disrupts critical brain development, which continues until age 25. The Surgeon General warns this can lead to serious health effects, including:
- Learning difficulties
- Mood swings and anxiety
- Impulsivity and addictive behaviors
- Lung disease and other physical health problems
Beyond these risks, the discreet nature of vaping makes it easy for teens to use e-cigarettes in classrooms and bathrooms, creating a hidden epidemic that is difficult for schools and parents to monitor.
A Positive Trend: Smoking Declines as Vaping Rises
While vaping rates remain high, Oklahoma has seen a sharp decline in youth smoking. According to the 2023 Oklahoma Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), teen smoking rates in the state hit an all-time low of 4.3%, a 77% drop since 2013. Though still slightly above the national average of less than 3.5%, this progress shows education, prevention and cessation programs are working. The challenge now is applying the same focus and resources to address the vaping crisis.
How TSET Is Fighting Back
The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) is leading the charge against youth vaping through the TSET Healthy Youth Initiative. This initiative is focused on creating generational health changes by reducing tobacco use, promoting better nutrition and increasing physical activity among Oklahoma’s youth.
Education and Prevention
One of TSET’s key programs, Behind the Haze, dispels common myths about vaping. It reminds teens vapes are far from harmless — they are a dangerous mix of chemicals that can cause serious health issues. Through relatable and engaging messaging, this program empowers teens to make informed decisions about their health.
Quitting Support
For teens already addicted to nicotine, TSET offers free, youth-friendly cessation services:
- My Life, My Quit™: This confidential, text-based program is available to Oklahomans ages 13-17 who want to quit vaping or using other tobacco products. Teens can visit mylifemyquit.com or text “Start My Quit” to 36072 to get started.
- Quit the Hit: A supportive, Instagram-based cessation group for teens and young adults ages 13-24, offering a peer-focused approach to quitting.
“We’re taking this very seriously,” said Julie Bisbee, TSET Executive Director. “Through education, cessation programs and advocacy, we’re fighting to protect our youth from the harmful effects of vaping. We’re also pushing for stronger regulations, including licensing for vapor retailers, to make these products harder for teens to access.”
Building a Healthier Future
Tackling youth vaping is essential to safeguarding the health and future of Oklahoma's next generation. Through education, prevention, and support programs, TSET is making meaningful progress in addressing this urgent issue. To learn more about resources that help teens lead healthier lives, visit TSETHealthyYouth.com.