Nicotine & Vaping
Parents matter more than you think.
Your attitudes and behaviors play a major role in how your children view nicotine and vaping. Start the conversation early, be clear about your expectations, and stay engaged in their lives. When parents lead, we can help prevent youth nicotine and vaping use.
T21 Law
In Tennessee, you must be 21 to buy, possess, or receive tobacco/vaping products, and sellers are legally required to enforce this with ID checks and proper signage. Penalties apply to businesses that sell to under-age buyers and to under-21 individuals possessing the products.
Click image above for the TN Law
T21 takes away young adults’ rights. ✅ Fact: T21 is a public health policy designed to protect developing brains. Nicotine can harm attention, learning, and impulse control well into the mid-20s.
Vaping isn’t covered by T21 ✅ Fact: T21 includes all tobacco and nicotine products, including e-cigarettes, vapes, disposable devices, nicotine pouches, and smokeless tobacco.
Teens will find a way anyway, so T21 doesn’t work. ✅ Fact: Most youth get tobacco and vape products from 18–20-year-olds. Raising the age to 21 cuts off that social supply—and studies show youth use declines where T21 is enforced.
Vapes don’t contain nicotine. ✅ Fact: Most vapes do contain nicotine, even when labeled “low” or “light.” Some products marketed as nicotine-free have been found to contain nicotine anyway
Flavored vapes are safer. ✅ Fact: Flavor does not reduce harm. In fact, flavors make nicotine products more appealing and addictive to youth.
Occasional vaping isn’t a big deal. ✅ Fact: Even occasional use can lead to nicotine dependence, especially in young people whose brains are still developing.
Facts About Nicotine/Vaping
Having accurate information empowers teens to make healthier decisions. The CDC provides important information on the risks and impacts of youth using nicotine and vapes.
• Most vapes contain highly addictive nicotine.
• Nicotine harms the developing teen brain.
• Vaping affects focus, mood, and learning.
• Teens can become addicted quickly.
• Vape aerosol isn’t harmless water vapor.
• Vape flavors aren’t safe for lungs.
• Teens who vape are more likely to smoke.
• Nicotine use increases anxiety and stress.
• Vaping can irritate lungs and airways.
• Early nicotine use leads to long-term addiction.
Tips for Parents
Research shows teens are more likely to avoid vaping when parents talk with them and set clear expectations.
Use these tips to help keep your teen nicotine/vape-free.
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Start the Conversation Early
Ask your teen what they know about vaping and listen without judgment. -
Share the Facts
Most vapes contain nicotine, which is addictive and harms the developing teen brain. -
Set Clear Expectations
Be explicit about family rules regarding nicotine and vaping—and explain why. -
Discuss Peer Pressure & Marketing
Help teens recognize pressure from friends and advertising, and practice ways to say no. -
Stay Involved & Supportive
Check in regularly, monitor influences, and provide guidance and resources.
Setting an Example
Teens whose adults use nicotine or vape regularly are more likely to try it themselves
Children and teens model what they see—your habits send a strong message. Here are tips for setting a positive example:
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Teens Notice Everything: Kids often mirror their parents’ habits. If they see adults using nicotine or vaping, it can normalize the behavior.
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Abstaining Sends a Strong Message: Choosing not to use nicotine or vape shows that avoiding these products is healthy and important.
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Promotes Credibility in Conversations: Teens are more likely to listen to guidance when parents practice what they preach.
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Supports a Healthy Environment: By abstaining, parents help create a smoke-free, vape-free home, reducing exposure and temptation.
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Reinforces Long-Term Prevention: Modeling abstinence teaches that nicotine isn’t necessary for stress relief, socializing, or fun, and builds resilience against peer pressure.
