One of the many new trends in today’s society is the electronic cigarette or e-cig. Today’s youth have joined this trend, although one must be 18 years or older to buy and use one.

Since students aren’t allowed to have them in general until they’re 18 years of age, it’s confusing to see them at school.  1.1 percent of middle school students and 2.8 percent of high school students reported to have used e-cigarettes in 2012 (according to http://www.statista.com). That statistic honestly shouldn’t even exist. Electronic cigarettes don’t seem to hold most of the attention of a student who owns one, but it’s still an unhealthy fad that could turn into a real addiction to regular cigarettes. There aren’t as many dangerous chemicals in e-cigs as there are in regular cigarettes, but that doesn’t eliminate the fact they still contain carcinogens and toxins. Smoking in general is a nasty habit to pick up, regardless of what someone may be smoking. It causes long term health effects like cancer, heart disease, any form of oral cancer and bad breath.

Most electronic cigarettes contain nicotine derived from tobacco in them, and e-cigs are supposed to stimulate the act of tobacco by creating a better-tasting flavor while still having the same texture as tobacco smoke, while delivering nicotine into the body. Although they do not produce tobacco smoke, e-cigarettes still contain nicotine and other potentially harmful chemicals. Nicotine is an addictive substance, and research suggests nicotine exposure may also cause the brain to become addicted to other substances. Testing of some e-cigarette products found the vapor to contain known carcinogens and toxic chemicals, such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. Researchers aren’t sure what the health consequences of exposure to these toxins are yet.

Many teenagers are focused on growing up and practicing adult behaviors. Students should focus more on their school work instead of getting into adult behaviors like smoking, even if it’s something they think is harmless. If students stopped practicing behaviors like this, they’d perform better in school. Student behavior also depends on the influences they surround themselves with. If a student is hanging out with someone who doesn’t care about school work and practices illegal or dangerous behaviors, then that student will likely start to behave in that manner as well. It’s the same thing for a student who hangs out with someone with good grades and healthy habits.

Although electronic cigarettes are seen as a “healthier alternative” to smoking a regular cigarette, it’s still a bad habit to pick up, especially for kids.