Statewide Iowa — State officials are launching a digital ad campaign about the dangers of “vaping” with electronic cigarettes, hoping to get the message to both teenagers and their parents. Governor Kim Reynolds says one out of four high schoolers vapes — and the most recent data indicates 29 percent of 11th graders vape on a daily basis.
Reynolds says research indicates many teenagers have no idea the vaping pods they’re using contain nicotine.
Reynolds says nicotine use while the body and brain are still developing is harmful. According to the governor, many parents may not know their kids are using vaping devices.
Reynolds says executive actions by governors in other states to ban or limit the sale of vaping pods are tied up in legal challenges, so she’s opted to launch a public relations campaign aimed at both parents and teenagers. Reynolds held a news conference at a middle school in Johnston late Wednesday morning to discuss the topic.
Two digital ads produced with state tax dollars are being placed on social media sites like SnapChat, Instagram, and Facebook as well as sites like YouTube and Hulu. Officials did not provide information about how much was spent or how often the ads may be seen. The governor says if the Iowa legislature votes to raise the age for buying tobacco products from 18 to 21, she’s willing to consider that move as well.
State officials are also reaching out to school nurses with information about what e-cigarette devices look like and advice for counseling students about the negative impact vaping has on their health.
