Key Takeaways
- Austintown PTA held a “Live Vape Free” town hall on teen vaping and e-cigarette harms
- Event funded by the National PTA Vape-Free Futures Challenge Grant, in collaboration with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
- Austintown is one of seven PTAs nationwide that received the grant
- PTA council president said the education focus is on 5th–8th graders and that kids are starting younger
- National Youth Tobacco Survey cited: 2.25 million middle/high schoolers used any tobacco product in 2024, down from 2.8 million in 2023
2Firsts, Feb 26, 2026 –
According to WFMJ, the Austintown Parent Teacher Association hosted a “Live Vape Free” town hall to discuss the dangers of vaping devices among middle and high schoolers.
The report said the event was funded by the National PTA Vape-Free Futures Challenge Grant for organizations that raise awareness of the negative health effects of vaping devices and e-cigarettes through grassroots advocacy. Austintown was one of seven PTAs nationwide that received the grant from the National PTA in collaboration with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.
PTA council president Mandy Maloney Richmond (Mandy Maloney Richmond) said the PTA’s goal is to educate 5th through 8th graders, adding: “It’s really difficult because the kids are starting younger and younger.”
The report cited the National Youth Tobacco Survey, which said 2.25 million middle and high schoolers reported use of any tobacco product in 2024, a drop from 2.8 million in 2023.
Social workers with the Educational Service Center of Ohio (ESC) presented the dangers of nicotine products as well as prevention tips, the report said. ESC social worker Alyssa Armeni (Alyssa Armeni) said vaping can cause brain damage, breathing problems, and poor oral health, adding that medical professionals have found it affects brain growth and understanding. Armeni also said many nicotine companies target younger audiences through colorful advertisements and flavored vapes.
Armeni said the best way to avoid nicotine addiction is not to begin and that teens need to discourage their peers from vaping, adding: “We just want them to be a leader by helping and showing how to stop vaping,” the report said.
Austintown resident Danielle Feezle (Danielle Feezle), who is also a parent, said she believes children generally lack knowledge about the dangers of vaping devices and e-cigarettes. “They all know cigarettes are bad, but they don’t seem to think that vapes fall into that category,” she said.
The report said the Austintown PTA plans to introduce children in the school district to the dangers of nicotine products in the near future.
Image source: WFMJ
We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.
Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn
Notice
1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.
2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.
3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.
4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.
Copyright
This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.
For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com
AI Assistance Disclaimer
This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.
We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com
