Tennessee teens using vaping devices at a younger age

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)– New data has revealed Tennessee teens are turning to vaping devices at a younger age than they were five years ago.

According to a survey of high school students conducted by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services , the average age at which teens begin vaping has dropped from 14.4 years old to 13.8 years old.

Tony Jackson, Director of Prevention at the TDMHSAS, said vaping is now the most common substance used by teens, surpassing alcohol, marijuana, cigarettes and prescription drugs.

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The survey found nearly one in three teenagers has vaped at some point in their life.

However, he also noted a silver lining: the rate of increase in teen vaping is slowing.

“We feel like there’s an opportunity to turn the tide relatively soon,” he said.

In 2018, 19.1% of students reported vaping nicotine in the past 30 days, but by 2023 that number decreased to 13.2%.

“I feel like we’re on a really good path,” Jackson said.

The key to continuing this progress, according to Jackson, is limiting access to vaping devices and educating teens and their caregivers about their risks.

“If we can prevent youth and young adults from using substances, misusing substances, up to about the age of 24 they’re exponentially less likely to develop a substance use disorder later in life. And that’s really what we want to do, is provide kids with the tools, the skills and the supports,” he said.

Jackson emphasized community involvement is crucial to getting the rates of teen vaping closer to zero.

“It will take the community. It will take the families… being involved to provide support for these youth, young adults,” he explained.

Jackson added that in the most recent survey, the department added questions aimed to understand why teens are turning to vapes and other illicit substances.

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The data revealed one in three students at moderate or high risk of psychological distress reported daily substance use.

To address this, behavioral health liaisons have been deployed to Tennessee schools to ensure students have a mental health professional available to find alternative coping mechanisms and access to the help and support they need.

The department also published data on the use of other substances like alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana.

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