Minnesota students are using music, humor and social media-style storytelling to warn their peers about the dangers of vaping through the 2026 Escape the Vape Video Challenge, an annual anti-vaping campaign organized by the Minnesota Department of Health.

More than 260 students from 29 schools participated this year, creating 30-second videos focused on nicotine addiction and the health risks associated with vaping. Public voting drew more than 1,500 votes statewide.

The campaign arrives as Minnesota reports continued declines in youth vaping. According to the 2025 Minnesota Student Survey, vaping among 11th graders fell from 25% in 2019 to 8% in 2025.

State health officials said the issue remains especially significant in communities facing economic hardship and mental health challenges, including among some St. Paul youth populations.

High school winners included students from Minnehaha Academy, whose video “Don’t Drink Paint, Don’t Hit the Vape” earned first place. In the middle school division, students from Oltman Middle School won with “Choose Your Sound – Don’t Vape!”

The challenge is intended to help students educate peers about the risks of nicotine exposure during adolescence, including addiction and increased risks of anxiety and depression.

The state also continues promoting its My Life, My Quit program, which offers free coaching and cessation support for teens ages 13 to 17 trying to stop vaping or using nicotine products.

Winning videos can be viewed at mnescapethevape.org.