Oklahoma TSET Campaign Warning Teens Of Vaping Risk Factors

A Oklahoma organization's new social media campaign is educating teenagers about how the harms of vaping.

The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust says Oklahoma is one of the worst states in the country when it comes to teen vaping, despite improving statistics nationwide.

 TSET director of public information and government affairs Thomas Larson said their new "Healthy Youth Initiative" program is aiming to give the youth of Oklahoma the necessary tools to develop a healthy lifestyle.

Larson says 1 in 5 Oklahoma teens vape on regular occasions, and TSET is trying to warn teens and their parents about the effects of vaping through a new campaign video called “Caught in a Mood.”

The video, which will displayed on multiple social media platforms, uses the story of a fishing trip to show teenagers how vaping can increase irritability, agitation, and stress.

“It’s even being sold to teens as something that relieves, anxiety and stress, but the truth is quite the opposite," Larson said. "If you’re vaping, you’re developing a nicotine addiction, which is going to make your mental health worse. It’s going to increase your anxiety, increase your stress and make you more prone to depression."

Larson says their free program "Quit the Hit" is accepting people who may be addicted to vaping through Oct. 18.