Vaping Information Letter - September 19, 2025

Dear Families of Holly Area Schools, 

Did you know that:

  • the use of e-cigarettes among youth rose dramatically from 220,000 in 2011 to over 3 million in 2018. 
  • Data from 2019 to 2023 shows sales of disposable e-cigarettes increased over 500%
  • About 1 in 4 high school students who vape do so daily, showing signs of nicotine addiction

Here is some good news.  Half a million fewer U.S. youth reported current use of e-cigarettes in 2024 compared to 2023, according to new data from the National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) released today by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The nationally representative data includes findings on e-cigarette and nicotine pouch use among U.S. youth, two categories of tobacco products the FDA and CDC are monitoring closely, particularly regarding youth use and appeal.

NYTS is an annual school-based, self-administered survey of U.S. middle (grades 6–8) and high school (grades 9–12) students conducted Jan. 22 to May 22, 2024. Findings showed there was a significant drop in the number of U.S. middle and high school students who reported current (past 30 days) e-cigarette use – a decrease from 2.13 million (7.7%) youth in 2023 to 1.63 million (5.9%) youth in 2024. This decline was largely driven by reduced e-cigarette use among high schoolers (1.56 million to 1.21 million), with no statistically significant change in current e-cigarette use among middle school students within the past year. The number of youth who used e-cigarettes in 2024 is approximately one-third of what it was at its peak in 2019, when over five million youth reported current e-cigarette use.

Educating our youth about the harmful impact of vaping continues to be a priority and one that together we can achieve to protect the health of our children.  

Please see the updated information below:


September 19, 2025 

Subject:  The Harmful Impact of Youth Vaping

Dear Holly Area Schools Families, 

Over the past few years, we have shared important information with our students and families about the dangers of youth vaping through communications, presentations, and webinars. This week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released new resources that further highlight the alarming impact vaping is having on young people across our nation. I want to take a moment to update you on this information and reinforce our commitment to supporting the health and safety of every Broncho student.

Concerning Data on Youth Vaping

  • More than 1.6 million U.S. youth reported vaping in 2024.
  • About 1 in 4 high school students who vape do so daily, showing signs of nicotine addiction.
  • Among students who currently vape, 87.6% used flavored e-cigarettes.
  • Research shows that vaping can harm brain development, which continues into the mid-20s, and can increase the risk of anxiety, depression, and long-term addiction.
  • In 2019, an outbreak of lung inquiries was strongly linked to vaping THC products containing thickening agents, like vitamin E acetate. 

The guide also underscores that many vapes on the market are illegal products, and that youth exposure remains a serious public health challenge. You can read the full guide here:Youth Vaping Resource Guide (PDF).

The Importance of Family Conversations

As parents and caregivers, your conversations with your child make a difference. Talking openly about the risks of vaping — and reinforcing that it is both unsafe and unhealthy — helps our students make positive choices.

We encourage you to use the HHS guide as a resource to support these important discussions at home. The guide provides talking points, data, and strategies to help families address this issue with young people.

School-Related Consequences

As we have communicated previously, Holly Area Schools takes student health and safety seriously. Possession or use of vapes, e-cigarettes, or THC products including edible gummies on school property is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. Consequences include:

  • Severe School disciplinary action, including suspension and up to expulsion as well as involvement with law enforcement.  
  • Possible legal consequences, as some vape products contain illegal substances.

Our goal is to raise awareness through proactive education, resources, and support to help our youth make healthier choices and avoid school-related consequences. 

  • Most middle school and high school students who vape want to quit and have tried to quit.
    • 67.4% of students who currently used e-cigarettes reported trying to quit in the last year. 
    • There are a number of available resources to support students and parents.  
    • If a student is struggling with substance abuse, please contact our counselors and/or parent outreach coordinators and they support you with a referral through our partners at CareSolace.  
    • The Adolescent Addiction and Recovery Center is also a great option for families.  

Our Shared Commitment

Together, we can help our students grow up healthy, safe, and prepared for the future. Thank you for your partnership as we continue to educate and protect our students from the dangers of youth vaping.

Sincerely,

Scott M. Roper, Superintendent of Schools


Update on Harmful Impact of Youth Vaping September 19 2025.pdf