Father’s smoking shown to shape teen tobacco and e‑cigarette use, experts warn of broader youth substance risks

A University of Nebraska–Lincoln study of 230 children tracked from preschool to adolescence found that repeated exposure to parental smoking, especially the father’s habit, leads to more favorable attitudes toward cigarettes and electronic cigarettes and a higher likelihood that teens will smoke or vape. The longer the exposure, the stronger the effect, and the research coincides with a rise in teen e‑cigarette use in the United States, climbing from 19 % in 2015 to 30 % in 2022.

Czech addiction specialist Radek Němec cautions parents that, beyond vaping, youths are turning to substances such as kratom, synthetic drugs and prescription medications, often hidden in everyday items. He advises vigilant monitoring of spending, behavior changes, and open dialogue, warning that strict bans on nicotine may push teens toward alternative substances. Němec also highlights the growing risk of social‑media addiction among young people.