Using social media to help teenagers quit vaping

Social media support groups for adolescent vaping cessation

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-10952766

This study is testing a friendly program called 'Quit the Hit' on Instagram to help teens and young adults aged 13-21 quit vaping by connecting them with supportive chats and helpful tips from others who understand what they're going through.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10952766 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates a program called 'Quit the Hit' that utilizes Instagram direct message groups to support adolescents aged 13-21 in quitting vaping. The program was developed in collaboration with hundreds of adolescents and aims to provide a flexible and scalable intervention for vaping cessation. Participants will engage in supportive discussions and receive evidence-based strategies to help them stop using e-cigarettes. The effectiveness of this approach will be evaluated through a randomized controlled trial to assess abstinence rates.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 13-21 who are currently using e-cigarettes and are motivated to quit.

Not a fit: Patients who do not use e-cigarettes or are outside the age range of 13-21 may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel and effective method for helping adolescents quit vaping, potentially reducing health risks associated with e-cigarette use.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research on social media-based vaping cessation programs, preliminary data from this program indicates promising results, suggesting a potential for success.

Where this research is happening

SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.