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Tobacco Is Changing—And It’s Not What You Think

Tobacco Is Evolving—And So Should Our Response

The tobacco industry isn’t slowing down—it’s shifting fast with new products, flavors, and sneaky strategies designed to reach youth. Many of these products don’t even look like tobacco, making them harder for parents to spot and even harder to talk about. But starting today, we can change that. Learn what to look for, how to start the conversation, and how to protect the next generation from getting hooked. Now’s the time to stay ahead and take action.

New Products. New Tactics. It's Time to Catch Up and Speak Up.

Tobacco is developing new products and tactics so fast, it’s tough for parents to recognize tobacco when they see it, and even tougher to talk to your kids about the terrible damage tobacco products can do. But that can change right here. It has to. Because the tobacco industry has already found ways to get around restrictions that banned a few flavored tobacco products and made it illegal to sell tobacco to anyone under 21. Tobacco is changing, faster than ever, parents. Let us help you keep up.

We have put together information from the main campaign of Tobacco is Changing that is being promoted by the State of Wisconsin. The information is broken down into a few sections: Get to know the new tobacco products, Know the tactics of the tobacco industry and Tips and Resources to help you and your family. Check out the buttons below!

Get To Know The Products
Understand The Tactics
Tips & Resources

Prevention Starts With Conversation

What’s Going On With Tobacco?

You’ve probably seen things like vapes, flavored toothpicks, or colorful tins in people’s bags or on social media—but did you know many of these are actually tobacco products?

Tobacco isn’t just about cigarettes anymore. Companies are getting creative—making new products that are easier to hide, flavored to taste like candy, and designed to keep people hooked. It’s easy to think some of these things aren’t a big deal—but they can lead to lifelong addiction and serious health problems. Let’s break it down so you know what to look for and how to make informed choices.

Simple Steps to Start the Conversation

Spotting What’s New - Not Just Cigarettes Anymore

Tobacco now comes in all kinds of forms. A lot of these are designed to look cool, smell sweet, and feel harmless. But they all contain nicotine—a highly addictive drug that changes the way your brain works.

Why It’s a Big Deal

Nicotine can affect your focus, mood, memory, and even how you handle stress. It’s especially risky for young people because your brain is still developing until around age 25. That’s why most people who end up addicted to tobacco started when they were teens.

Disposable vapes and refillable pods

Sleek, pocket-sized devices that heat flavored liquid nicotine into a vapor—often easy to hide and highly addictive.

Flavored toothpicks

Nicotine-infused toothpicks that come in sweet flavors and deliver a dose of nicotine discreetly through the mouth.

Nicotine pouches and chew

Tobacco-free pouches or traditional chew placed in the mouth to absorb nicotine without smoking or vaping.

Little cigars and cigarillos

Small, flavored cigars that look like cigarettes but contain tobacco and often appeal to teens with candy-like flavors.

What You Might Not See (But Should Know)

Tobacco Companies Know What They’re Doing. They use every trick in the book to make products look safe, fun, or even healthy. Their goal? To get you to try it. And then to keep you hooked.

Flavors Like Bubblegum, Mango, and Cotton Candy

These sweet, candy-inspired flavors are designed to appeal to teens and first-time users by masking the harsh taste of tobacco and making products seem fun or harmless. Research shows that most youth say they wouldn’t try a vape if it weren’t flavored.

Bright Colors and Packaging That Looks Like Candy or Tech Gadgets

Tobacco companies often use colorful designs and shiny wrappers that mimic popular candies or trendy electronics, making these products look less dangerous and more appealing to young people.

Vapes That Look Like USB Drives, Highlighters, or Smartwatches

Many modern vaping devices are made to blend in with school supplies or wearable tech, allowing them to be used discreetly in schools or at home without raising suspicion from adults.

Ads Placed Near Schools, in Convenience Stores, or on Social Media

Despite laws meant to prevent youth-targeted advertising, tobacco companies continue to place eye-catching ads where young people are most likely to see them—on social platforms, in gas stations, and near schools—making exposure almost unavoidable.

Why Conversations Matter

Let’s Talk About It

It’s not always easy to bring up serious stuff, but talking openly with friends, parents, teachers, or someone you trust can really help. Whether you’re curious, feeling pressure, or want to quit, you’re not alone—and starting the conversation is the first step.

Here are a few ways to start:

  • “Hey, have you seen how many types of vapes there are now?”

  • “Do you know anyone who’s quit nicotine? Was it hard?”

  • “I read about how some vapes are designed to look like pens. That’s wild.”

And if someone wants to talk to you about it—hear them out. It might be more helpful than you think.

Explore Trusted Resources on Nicotine and Youth Health

Get informed with expert-backed tools and guidance on vaping, nicotine use, and how to support youth in making healthy choices. These resources are provided in partnership with our Lung Health Alliance collaborators.

Truth Initiative: Vaping x Health | truth
Explore the real impact of vaping on youth health with engaging videos, facts, and campaigns from the Truth Initiative.

Outsmart Nicotine
A resource hub offering education and prevention strategies to help youth and adults recognize and resist nicotine addiction.

Live Vape Free
A free program designed to help teens quit vaping through personalized coaching, texts, and tools that build confidence and awareness.

Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line
Confidential, free support for quitting smoking, vaping, or chewing tobacco—offered at your pace with guidance from professionals.

Talk to Your Child About Vaping | American Lung Association
Helpful tips and conversation guides for parents looking to speak with their children about vaping in a constructive, informed way.

Parents Against Vaping E-cigarettes
A grassroots movement offering advocacy tools, resources, and real stories to empower families in the fight against youth vaping.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy and Adolescent Patients
Clinical guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics on safe and effective nicotine replacement therapy for teens.

What You Can Do

Want to Help Yourself or a Friend? Start Here. Quitting isn’t about being perfect. It’s about moving forward. And even small steps count.

Text VAPEFREE to 873373 for free, private support

Try a quitting app or join a support group

Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW to talk to someone who’s trained to help

Replace cravings with things like gum, music, or exercise

Be a Leader in Your Space

Keep It Real: What You Say (and Do) Matters

Whether you realize it or not, your choices and your voice matter to people around you. If you live tobacco-free, you’re already setting an example. If you speak up or share what you know, you might help someone else rethink what they’re doing.

Here’s how you can help:

  • Share info on social or in group chats

  • Encourage your school to go tobacco-free

  • Get involved in local youth prevention efforts

  • Talk to a sibling or younger kid about what you’ve learned

Impact of Vaping - Real Student Stories | Superior High School (2025)

Concerned about someone’s
well-being?

Call 211 or 1-833-944-4673
The Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline can help you find local services and support. It’s free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.

Call 211
Call 1-833-944-4673
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