E-cigarettes and vaping have exploded in popularity among adolescents in recent years, evolving from a niche trend to a widespread concern in middle schools and high schools alike. What started as “safer” alternatives to cigarettes has morphed into devices that many teens use daily, often in secret.

This trend is especially relevant in school settings, where teachers and counselors may be the first to notice changes in behavior, health, or academic performance. Beyond the immediate health risks, vaping can disrupt learning, shift social dynamics, and contribute to disciplinary or mental health issues.

This blog is crafted for educators, school counselors, and youth professionals in Pennsylvania (and beyond). Its goal is to help you spot warning signs of vaping, understand the motivations behind it, and respond effectively with support, not shame.

What are E-Cigarettes and Vaping Devices?

E-cigarettes (also called electronic cigarettes or vapes) are battery-powered devices that heat a liquid (often containing nicotine, flavoring, and other chemicals) into an aerosol that users inhale. These devices come in various forms:

• Disposable vape pens: single-use devices pre-filled with e-liquid
• Refillable vapes/mods: devices where users can control power, refill e-liquid, and change coils.
• Pod systems: small, sleek, USB-like devices using replaceable or refillable pods.

Many devices are slim, flashy, and made to look innocuous–some resemble USB flash drives or pens.

What draws teens to these devices?

Teens are drawn to e-cigarettes and vaping devices for a variety of reasons, most of which are deeply tied to social influence, marketing, and misconceptions about risk. Flavored products remain a major factor: sweet, fruity, or candy-like flavors mask the harshness of nicotine and make vaping feel more like a treat than a vice. The sleek, high-tech design of many devices, often resembling USB drives or pens, adds to their appeal and allows for discreet use.

Social media has further glamorized vaping, portraying it as trendy or sophisticated rather than dangerous. Compounding this issue is the widespread belief among adolescents that vaping is safer than traditional smoking. Many teens underestimate its addictiveness, assuming they can stop whenever they choose. In reality, the combination of clever marketing, peer acceptance, and misinformation makes vaping a compelling and risky behavior for youth.

National surveys from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that a significant number of U.S. high school students report using e-cigarettes. According to the 2023 National Youth Tobacco Survey, approximately 10% of high school students and 4.6% of middle school students reported current e-cigarette use, defined as using the product within the past 30 days. These figures underscore a persistent and troubling trend despite ongoing prevention efforts.

Although Pennsylvania-specific data are somewhat limited, state health officials report patterns similar to national findings. Youth vaping continues to be a pressing public health concern, with schools, parents, and community health organizations working to counter the misinformation and accessibility that fuel adolescent use.

Health Risks and Long-Term Concerns

Although vaping is sometimes marketed as a “cleaner” alternative to smoking, research has revealed significant health risks, especially for teens whose brains and bodies are still developing. Nicotine, the primary addictive substance in most e-liquids, can interfere with critical brain development processes affecting attention, learning, and emotional regulation. This early exposure can make adolescents more prone to addiction later in life.

Beyond neurological effects, vaping has been linked to respiratory irritation, chronic cough, and, in some cases, serious lung injuries. Emerging studies also point to potential cardiovascular concerns, such as increased blood pressure and heart rate. Mental health impacts are another growing concern, with some evidence suggesting links between vaping and heightened anxiety or depression. Since e-cigarettes are relatively new, researchers are still uncovering their long-term effects, but early indicators show cause for serious concern, particularly among young users.

Signs a Student May Be Vaping

Teachers and counselors are uniquely positioned to notice subtle changes. Below are red flags that may indicate a student is vaping:

Behavioral Indicators:

• Frequent, unexplained bathroom or stairwell breaks
• Sudden shifts in peer groups or social circles
• Declining grades, missed assignments, lack of focus
• Increased irritability, mood swings, secretive behavior

Physical Clues:

• Sweet, fruity, or minty scent lingering on clothes or breath
• Increased thirst or dry mouth
• Nosebleeds or frequent nose irritation
• Persistent coughing or throat clearing

Device-Related Evidence:

• Discovery of USB-like pods or flash drive–style e-cigarettes
• Tiny cartridges, pods, refills hidden in pockets, backpacks, or clothing
• Hoodies or clothing with hidden compartments adapted to conceal small devices

If you come across any of these signs, it does not confirm vaping–but it does warrant a supportive conversation.

The Role of Teachers and Counselors

Teachers and counselors play a pivotal role in identifying and addressing vaping behaviors among students. Because they interact daily with youth, educators are often the first to notice subtle behavioral or physical changes, such as frequent restroom breaks, unexplained mood shifts, or the faint scent of fruit or mint.

When approaching a student who may be vaping, empathy and curiosity should guide the conversation, not judgment or punishment. Open-ended questions and a supportive tone encourage honesty and trust, while harsh discipline can lead to secrecy and shame.

Counselors and teachers can also collaborate with school nurses or psychologists to connect students to resources that address both the physical and emotional aspects of nicotine use. By framing the issue around care and well-being, rather than wrongdoing, educators can create a safe environment where students feel empowered to seek help.

Empower Parents with Education

Parents are essential partners in preventing and addressing teen vaping. Many are unaware of how these devices look or how easily they can be concealed, so schools can play a valuable role by offering informational workshops, printed materials, or webinars that explain the risks and warning signs.

Educating parents about how nicotine affects adolescent development and how the vaping industry markets directly to youth can help them engage in meaningful conversations at home. Encouraging open, judgment-free dialogue between parents and teens fosters trust and makes it easier for young people to share concerns or admit to experimentation.

Schools can also connect families with community cessation programs or state-sponsored resources that offer practical guidance for quitting. When parents are informed and involved, they become strong allies in reducing teen vaping and promoting healthier habits.

Resources for Educators and Counselors

Here are trusted sources and programs you can reference or distribute to students and families:

• CDC’s youth tobacco data and e-cigarette reports: Offers national trends and evidence-based guidance
• Pennsylvania Department of Health: local initiatives, prevention grants, awareness campaigns
• Local school district health or wellness offices often maintain local cessation or referral programs

You may also wish to share with students credible websites such as Truth Initiative or academic-based youth tobacco education platforms.

In conclusion, vaping among teens is far from harmless. Behind the sleek devices and fruity flavors lie risks to health, cognition, and well-being. In schools, educators and counselors stand on the front lines, not as enforcers, but as watchers, listeners, and guides.

By learning to spot behavioral and physical warning signs, approaching students with empathy rather than judgment, and connecting them to trusted supports, you can intervene early, before nicotine addiction sets in or health problems escalate.

Awareness and consistent action today can prevent long-term harm tomorrow. Let’s give our students the information, support, and safe spaces they need to make healthier choices. Awareness today can prevent health crises tomorrow.