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E-cigarettes—electronic devices that look like cigarettes and contain nicotine but do not burn tobacco like traditional cigarettes—are often the subject of debate and controversy. While advocates for e-cigarettes say they are a healthier alternative to cigarettes and may help smokers quit smoking altogether, others worry that e-cigarettes are also harmful and may encourage non-smokers, including kids, to take up smoking.

We asked a national sample of adults across the U.S. about their views on e-cigarettes as part of the National Poll on Children’s Health in 2010 and 2013. In 2013, 86% of adults said they had heard of e-cigarettes, compared with just 37% in 2010. In 2010 and 2013, adults in the Poll expressed strong support for new laws to regulate e-cigarettes, including prohibiting sales of e-cigarettes to minors (minors can currently purchase e-cigarettes in some states).

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Nearly half of parents in the latest NPCH Report about e-cigarettes also expressed concern that their own children might try e-cigarettes and 44% of all adults thought e-cigarettes would encourage youth to start using tobacco. Read the full report: Adults worry e-cigarettes will encourage kids to start smoking tobacco.

Watch this short video with Dr. Matt Davis, NPCH Director and primary care doctor, to learn more about e-cigarettes and the results of this Poll:

What are your thoughts on e-cigarettes? Do you think there should be more laws regulating them?