After the pandemic, plaguing NYC is an uptick in vaping and e-cigarette use in adolescents and teens. While the most popular demographic for vaping is the 18-24 age range, it can have negative physical and mental effects for anyone, and the risk to adolescents is amplified. Through our research, it’s apparent that a major contributing factor to the rate of adolescent and teen vape use is a lack of awareness of existing laws and restrictions relating to this issue. In a survey conducted in an NYC high school, 34.2% of respondents said they were unaware of any laws relating to vaping 24.3% of respondents said they were somewhat unaware of any laws relating to vaping. Despite this, 33.6% of respondents on the same survey said they were somewhat somewhat interested in volunteering for a non profit organization specializing in this issue and 11.8% of respondents said they were interested in volunteering for a non profit organization specializing in this issue. We believe that this shows an incentive and willingness to make a difference to educate and inform teens on the dangers of vaping, hopefully aiding in a decrease in this harmful behavior in youth.

     A lack of action now may result in increased risks for addiction and major health issues in these same teens later in life. It’s important to think of more than just the here and now of vaping use, but the difference it has the potential to make in the lives of NYC teens for years to come. On this note, we urge you to sign our petition and support our cause to better teen health. Every signature is one step closer to meeting our goal; Increased lawful vaping restrictions all across Brooklyn, specifically in schools, as well as more information about vaping, its negative effects, and both existing and new vaping laws in Brooklyn health classes with the approval of Brooklyn senator, Simcha Felder. felder@nysenate.gov.

     In summary, with the knowledge that our research backs up our proposals, and the obvious severity of the negative drawbacks of vaping, specifically in teens, the only thing left to do now is to act because not taking immediate action could potentially jeopardize the health of NYC middle and high school students going forward by letting the issue go unchecked. With this position, we advocate for not only the health and safety of NYC teens, but for their futures. Our window of opportunity with this petition will soon pass, but we feel passionately enough about this issue to bring it to attention, and do our part in the fight for childhood quality of life and help NYC schools be vape free. Will you join us?