Vaping and tobacco products are dangerous to the health of all children at every stage of development. This includes both direct usage of these products and exposure to their byproducts. The tobacco industry aggressively markets their products toward children, rapidly adapting to changes in regulation and often targeting youth who are Black, Latinx, and LGBTQ+. While pediatric use of combustible cigarettes has decreased in the past several decades, use of electronic nicotine delivery systems like e-cigarettes has exploded. Like combustible cigarettes, these devices expose children and teens to numerous toxicants and carcinogens. Youth who use e-cigarettes are also at high risk of transitioning to traditional cigarettes.


Pediatricians serve as trusted messengers and advocates in conversations regarding regulation of tobacco products. To that end, below you will find a comprehensive toolkit of resources for advocates working on key issues around pediatric tobacco use and exposure. Each section includes a brief overview of the issue area, advocacy resources, advocacy opportunities, and, where applicable, parent-facing resources. We strongly encourage you to promote these to lawmakers, families, and fellow advocates.

Banning Flavored Tobacco Products

The tobacco industry has developed an array of flavored products designed to target children and teens. Both the federal government and many state governments have taken steps to curb this predatory marketing. Click here to find advocacy resources and parent-facing materials to spread the word about the dangers of flavored tobacco products.

Banning Indoor Use of Tobacco and Cannabis

Combustible cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and cannabis smoke produce toxic byproducts that are dangerous to children. It is crucial that children are able to live, learn, and play in smoke-free environments. Click here to find advocacy resources and parent-facing materials to protect children from secondhand and thirdhand exposure.

Fighting Preemption Laws for Tobacco Regulation

The tobacco industry has long lobbied for laws that take the power to regulate their products away from localities and hands them to state legislatures, where they can more easily focus lobbying efforts. It is vital that communities are empowered to protect their children from tobacco harm. Click here to find advocacy resources for discussing preemption laws.

Implementing and Enforcing Tobacco 21 Laws

Although the federal government passed Tobacco 21 into law in 2019, much work remains to be done to ensure this new policy is enforced throughout the country. Many states lack an enforcement mechanism for the law, while other states have passed Tobacco 21 laws that need improvement. Click here to find advocacy resources and parent-facing materials to promote Tobacco 21 policy.

Discussing the Toll of E-Waste on Our Environment

Electronic nicotine delivery systems like e-cigarettes and vape pens utilize various single-use components, creating large amount of plastic waste. This “e-waste” piles up in our communities and natural lands. Click here to find advocacy resource for discussing the consequences of e-waste.