LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — As students prepare to return to classrooms across Clark County next week, new data show youth vaping remains a significant public health concern.
Nearly one-third of Clark County high school students have tried e-cigarettes, according to the latest Nevada Youth Risk Behavior Survey.
The Southern Nevada Health District is encouraging families to start conversations early, recognize the signs of vaping and take advantage of resources that can help prevent nicotine addiction among youth.
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Survey data
According to the 2025 Nevada Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 31% of Clark County high school students and 17% of middle school students have tried e-cigarettes. In addition, 12% of high school students and 8% of middle school students reported using e-cigarettes in the past 30 days.
E-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco product among youth nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. E-cigarettes contain nicotine, a highly addictive chemical that can affect brain development and impair attention, learning, mood and impulse control.
“Many young people may not realize that vaping products contain nicotine or understand how addictive these products can be,” said Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer for the Health District. “Parents, teachers, healthcare providers and community partners all play an important role in helping young people understand the risks of vaping and making informed decisions that protect their health.”
How youth access vaping products
Most tobacco use begins during adolescence, when young people can be influenced by peer pressure, tobacco marketing and easy access to nicotine products. Among Clark County students who reported using e-cigarettes, the most common source was friends, family members or someone else, the district says. Sixty percent of high school students and 59% of middle school students said they obtained a vape that way.
The district says marketing and social media also contribute to youth interest in vaping products. Nearly three-quarters — 74% — of students reported seeing e-cigarette-related content on social media. Research shows teens who viewed tobacco- or nicotine-related content on TikTok at least weekly had three times the odds of currently using e-cigarettes.
Disposable vaping devices remain the most commonly used type of e-cigarette among U.S. youth who currently vape, accounting for 55.6% of reported use. Popular brands reported among youth include Geek Bar, Elf Bar and Lost Mary.
About 35% of Las Vegas public schools are within 1,000 feet of a tobacco retailer, according to the release, highlighting the need for continued prevention, education and enforcement efforts.
Resources for families and youth
The Southern Nevada Health District points to several resources for parents, educators and youth:
- Get Healthy Clark County: Resources for parents, educators and youth, including quit-vaping information and educational materials.
- Nevada Tobacco Quitline: Nevada residents age 13 and older can receive free help quitting tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, by calling 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669).
- American Lung Association’s NOT for Me: A free, interactive eight-week online program designed to help teens quit vaping or smoking.
- Truth Initiative: Offers quitting tools and support. Text EXPROGRAM to 88709.
- My Life, My Quit Quitline: For teens 13 and older. Text START MY QUIT to 36072.
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