The surge in smoking and vaping among teenagers is a growing concern, with many teenagers considering these habits as trendy or harmless and are not afraid to try them out. Parents, it is the need of the hour for you to educate yourself and initiate open communication with children about the dangers associated with tobacco products. Make sure the child avoids smoking and vaping, safeguards his/her respiratory health, and improves his/her quality of life.

Dr Shahid Patel, consultant pulmonologist, Medicover Hospitals, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, says, "Smoking and vaping are not only common among adults but even teenagers.  “Several factors contribute to the uptick in teen smoking and vaping. “The sleek design of vaping devices, availability of alluring flavors, and unique marketing strategies make these products appealing to the younger population aged 13-19. Likewise, peer pressure, that is the desire to fit in or appear mature, can pressurize the teens to experiment with tobacco products. Social media platforms further exacerbate this by normalizing and glamorizing smoking and vaping in teenagers. Many teenagers are using electronic cigarettes, cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, and hookah. Not only in urban areas, but smoking and vaping among teenagers has increased in rural areas too."

Dr Shahid added,“ Educating teenagers aged 13-19 about the risks linked to smoking and vaping is vital. Nicotine exposure during adolescence can disrupt brain development, affecting areas responsible for attention, learning, and impulse control. Smoking harms teens' lung development, leading to reduced lung function and increased risk of asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It has also given rise to a new disease entity called as VALI, Vape Associated Lung Injury, which as of now has no cure and has been fatal in many cases. It also impacts brain development, impairing memory, concentration, and increasing addiction risk. Early education will help teens to make informed decisions and resist peer pressure.”