The pandemic has brought up some unusual issues for adolescents in terms of social distancing for youth when peer interaction and support is part of the adolescent development process. With millions of adolescents and young adults at risk of consequences of tobacco, marijuana or long-term addiction, a prevention-focused effort is critical to helping young people modify, reduce or eliminate the use of e-cigarettes and other substances. Noting that mental health often correlates with stress and substance using behavior, this 90-minute presentation will review recent research on youth social, emotional and mental wellbeing, substance use and health-related vaping effects, cultural and social considerations of use, and evidence-based interventions.
