AUSTINTOWN - The Austintown Parent Teacher Association hosted a "Live Vape Free" town hall to discuss the dangers of vaping devices among middle and high schoolers.

The event was funded by the National PTA Vape-Free Futures Challenge Grant for organizations that spread awareness of the negative health effects of vaping devices and e-cigarettes through grassroots advocacy.

Austintown was one of seven PTAs nationwide that received the grant from the National PTA in collaboration with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

PTA council president Mandy Maloney Richmond says the PTA's goal is to educate 5th through 8th graders.

"It's really difficult because the kids are starting younger and younger,' she said.

The National Youth Tobacco Survey reported that 2.25 million middle and high schoolers reported use of any tobacco product in 2024, a drop from 2.8 million in 2023.

Social workers with the Educational Service Center of Ohio (or ESC), a statewide advocacy group, presented the dangers of nicotine products as well as prevention tips.

ESC social worker Alyssa Armeni says that vaping can cause brain damage, breathing problems, and poor oral health.

"We found that, through the medical professionals, it affects how your brain grows, how you understand things," she said.

Armeni adds that many nicotine companies target younger audiences.

"They do colorful advertisements, they advertise vape that has flavors," she said.

Armeni adds that the best way to avoid nicotine addiction is not to begin, and that teens need to discourage their peers from vaping.

"We just want them to be a leader by helping and showing how to stop vaping," she said.

Austintown resident Danielle Feezle, who is also a parent, says she believes children have a general lack of knowledge about the dangers of vaping devices and e-cigarettes.

"They all know cigarettes are bad, but they don't seem to think that vapes fall into that category," she said.

The Austintown PTA plans to introduce children in the school district to the dangers of nicotine products in the near future.