Federal authorities are considering the possibility of drug therapies to get children to stop vaping.

The Food and Drug Administration says middle and high schoolers are vaping at unprecedented rates. Middle school use is up 50 percent from a year ago, and high school use is up 80 percent.

Medical professionals say vaping can have serious effects on a teen's brain, including problems with depression, anxiety and attention.

Dr. Rachel Boykin, Stony Brook Children's Hospital, completed a study on teen vape use. It looked at anonymous urine samples from about 500 middle and high schoolers. She says she found that children as young as 12 were vaping.

The Suffolk Police Department sends officers into schools to teach teens about the dangers of vape use. Officer George Lynagh says some kids think e-cigarettes are safer than traditional ones.

MORE: Suffolk lawmakers: Fruit-flavored e-cigarette liquid targets minors 

Vaping liquids can have a high nicotine content, which could lead to more kids who are addicted and fewer ways to help them quit.

The FDA says there needs to be more research on kids who are hooked on vaping because there are currently no products to help unhook people under age 18. The agency says it's considering regulations for the industry, including banning flavored vape products that might attract children.