Helping Young People Live Tobacco-Free
Young people deserve healthy environments where they can grow, learn, and thrive — without the influence of tobacco and nicotine products.
Why Youth Prevention Matters
Understanding Today's Tobacco Products
Vapes come in bright colors and fun designs that can appeal to youth.
What Youth Need to Know About Vaping
How Much Nicotine?
A single disposable vape can hold as much nicotine as hundreds of cigarettes.
1 Pack of Cigarettes
20 cigarettes · 22 mg nicotine
1 Flum Float
≈ 363 cigarettes · 400 mg nicotine
1 BC5000
≈ 590 cigarettes · 650 mg nicotine
The Real Costs of Vaping
Upfront Costs
People who vape may spend hundreds or thousands of dollars each year.
Hidden Health Costs
Vaping can lead to breathing problems and may affect grades and sports.
Social & Emotional Costs
Vaping can worsen anxiety and depression and create stress with friends and family.
California's Flavored Tobacco Sales Ban
California bans the sale of most flavored tobacco products — including menthol cigarettes, flavored vapes, and flavored smokeless tobacco. Some products may still be sold illegally in stores or online.
Why flavors matter:
Flavors like fruit, candy, and mint appeal to kids and teens.
of young people who have ever used tobacco started with a flavored tobacco product.
How Tobacco Retail Licensing Helps Protect Youth
A Tobacco Retail License helps cities keep track of stores that sell tobacco and make sure they follow the law.
Tobacco Waste and the Environment
"You can help keep our world healthy."
Myth vs. Fact
Tap each myth to reveal the fact 👇
Youth Advocacy & Leadership
Young people are powerful voices for change. Here's how to get involved.
- Join local prevention efforts
- Volunteer at outreach events
- Speak at school boards or city meetings
- Help create awareness campaigns
- Share prevention messages with peers
- Become a youth leader
Healthy Alternatives
Resources for Parents & Caregivers
💬 Talk to Young People
- •Ask what youth see at school
- •Ask if they feel pressure to try tobacco or vapes
- •Listen before lecturing
- •Look for warning signs
⚠️ Warning Signs
- •Sweet, fruity, minty, or chemical smells
- •Unfamiliar tech products or "school supplies"
- •Unfamiliar credit card charges
- •Mood swings, irritability, anxiety
- •More headaches or nausea
Ready to Quit Vaping or Tobacco?
You don't have to quit alone. Free, confidential help is available through Kick It California — with special services for teens.