- The FDA has called teen vaping an “epidemic”
- Juul, which resembles a small flash drive, is the most popular e-cigarette amongst underage users
- Look for signs including increased thirst, irritability, nosebleeds, and restlessness
- If you find unfamiliar USB cables, batteries, or chargers; empty pods, or the actual vaping devices then your kid may be vaping
Full Answer
What should I do if I caught my kid vaping?
I Caught My Kid Vaping. What Should I Do Now? How a parent reacts when they discover their child is vaping can have a huge negative or positive impact on what happens next. Getty Images Experts advise parents who discover their teen is vaping to react in a calm and measured manner. Ask questions and listen to the answers they give.
How do I know if my child is vaping?
Here are some signs that your child may be vaping: Increased thirst. Vaping is hydroscopic, meaning the process of vaping removes hydration from skin of the mouth and throat.
Is Your Teen vaping?
Parents are left wondering if there are clues that may suggest their teen is vaping and in direct harm. Here are some signs that your child may be vaping: Increased thirst. Vaping is hydroscopic, meaning the process of vaping removes hydration from skin of the mouth and throat.
What are the risks of vaping for kids?
Vaping puts nicotine into the body. Nicotine is highly addictive and can: slow brain development in kids and teens and affect memory, concentration, learning, self-control, attention, and mood can lead to smoking cigarettes and other forms of tobacco use
What do I do if I catch my kid vaping?
5 Tips to Help Teens Quit VapingReason with your child. Have an honest discussion about the effects of vaping and how this type of addiction can lead to other substance abuse. ... Be present. ... Talk, don't punish. ... Appeal to their desire for independence. ... Equip them with support and resources.
How can I tell if my kid is vaping?
Signs a person is vapingA sweet scent in the air. ... Unfamiliar pens and USB drives. ... Drinking more water. ... Nosebleeds. ... Smoker's cough or mouth sores. ... New batteries and chargers. ... Discarded vaping pods and devices.
Can you test your child for vaping?
Blood Test: A simple blood draw can detect traces of nicotine about two hours after use. Test priced at $70. Hair Follicle Test: This is a good option for parents who think their child has been either vaping or smoking nicotine for a long period of time and the child might stop using it just to get through the test.
Can you tell if someone is vaping in your house?
“The biggest thing to look for is paraphernalia, like chargers, cartridges, cartridge packs, e-juice bottles, etc.” he said of items that are left out inadvertently. Parents may smell odors if a child is vaping in the bathroom or bedroom, and they may spot symptoms if their child vapes a synthetic drug, he added.
Is there a device that can detect vaping?
3D Sense is a vape detector that works on many of these fronts to help combat vaping. 3D Sense continuously monitors its environment to detect vaping, smoking, and air quality disruptions. When vaping is detected, chosen contacts get an alert on their phone so they can investigate further.
How long does vape smoke stay in the air?
Even in a poorly ventilated area with windows shut, any smells from vaping should be gone in only ten minutes or so, instead of lasting around for hours like smoking.
Can you smell if someone is vaping?
E-cigarettes don't smell bad like the smoke from combusting tobacco, however, most e-liquids have flavors in them that usually smell nice like candy, mint, vanilla, fruit punch etc. If you catch a sudden whiff of any of these but none of them is around, consider this a red flag. that it could be a vaporizer.
Can you smell vape in a house?
Some vaping products also produce odors that can be hard to remove. These smells may not be as strong as those caused by tobacco smoking; still, a shopper may notice odors while touring the home.
Should I punish my child for vaping?
Now that you are aware of the hazards brought by e-cigarettes, you have every right to punish your teen for vaping. It does not matter if they are only using it for recreational purposes. Vaping is still addictive and damaging. Some ways to punish your child are scolding and grounding them.
How do you find a vape in your house?
A PM2. 5 detector is an excellent low cost detector in an indoor environment to confirm if vapers or e-cigarettes were used. A sensitive PM2. 5 detector can be considered a vaping, vaper, or e-cigarette detector.
Can you smell vape on clothes?
Vaping vapors period clings to your clothes, nowhere near as bad as cigarettes, but vapor smells like whatever food flavoring is added, and then both pg, and vg have slight odors to the them. Cigarette smoke can be detected more than 3 hours after a single cigarette is smoked in a room. 2.
What is Vaper's tongue?
Vaper's tongue (also known as vaper's fatigue) is a term that covers taste-related ailments. Often this happens from frequent use of a single, individual flavour. So, if you've been vaping the same flavour for a few weeks. you'll probably start to notice the difference in taste or lack thereof.
What are 3 signs of a vaping addiction?
There are also several physical signs of addiction.Dry Mouth. Propylene glycol, a common ingredient found in e-juice, can cause dry mouth. ... Dizziness. Researchers monitored 33 smokers over 21 days. ... Coughing. For some, vaping is a gateway to smoking. ... Skin Problems. ... Itchiness. ... Dry Eyes. ... Nosebleeds. ... Nicotine Overdose.More items...•
What are symptoms of vaping?
EVALI may cause the following symptoms:Shortness of breath.Cough.Chest pain.Fever and chills.Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.Rapid heartbeat.Rapid and shallow breathing.
Can you smell vape in a house?
Some vaping products also produce odors that can be hard to remove. These smells may not be as strong as those caused by tobacco smoking; still, a shopper may notice odors while touring the home.
What does vaping smell like?
E-cigarettes don't smell bad like the smoke from combusting tobacco, however, most e-liquids have flavors in them that usually smell nice like candy, mint, vanilla, fruit punch etc. If you catch a sudden whiff of any of these but none of them is around, consider this a red flag.
Why does vaping cause dry mouth?
Increased thirst. Vaping is hydroscopic, meaning the process of vaping removes hydration from skin of the mouth and throat. This leaves users with a dry, flat palate. As a natural consequence, the body craves liquids to combat dehydration. If you see your child heavily increasing their liquid consumption (and also peeing more), they may be vaping.
Why do kids vape?
If you see your child heavily increasing their liquid consumption (and also peeing more), they may be vaping. Desire for flavor. Moisture is key to enjoying the flavor of foods. When the mouth is dried out, you lose flavor perception. So, with routine vaping, food can become less flavorful.
What are the parts of an e-cigarette?
E-cig devices do have parts and cartridges that need to be exchanged and replaced. Commonly, these parts are spare wires, cotton balls or small containers (“pods”) that contain e-juice. If your teen is carrying an unfamiliar tech-looking device, or if there are interesting items in their trash bin, I might ask.
Does vaping cause acne?
Acne. Vaping can affect the surrounding skin. If your teen is having bad breakouts on otherwise controlled skin, this may be a clue. Cutting back on caffeine. If your latte-loving teen is skipping the Starbucks, it could be the nicotine. Vaping plus caffeine can cause anxiety and severe mood swings.
Does vaping make your nose bleed?
So, with routine vaping, food can become less flavorful. This even has a name: “vaper's tongue.”. If your teen is reaching for the salt or enjoying unusually spicy foods, this may be a clue. Nosebleeds. Just like vaping dries the mouth, it dries the skin of the nose as well. When the nose gets dry, it can bleed. Acne.
Do Juul pods contain nicotine?
Most importantly, however, is the knowledge that kids’ brains are super sensitive to nicotine. All Juul and Phix pods contain nicotine. When an immature brain (read: less than 25 years old) is exposed, it takes less of the drug to get addicted.
Is vaping a risk for teens?
Watch for signs of nicotine use in your teen to help with early intervention. As the popularity of vaping continues to rise, so does your child’s risk.
What is the most important thing Jenssen and Mopper discuss?
One of the most important things both Jenssen and Mopper discuss is avoiding a situation where you might catch your teenager vaping before being aware it’s something they’ve tried.
What is Smokefree Teen?
Smokefree Teen is another resource with apps and texting options teens can access at any time.
How many people vape in school?
He says his clients report that, “at any given time between classes, there can be 15 to 20 people vaping in the school bathroom.”
What to do if your teenager is addicted to nicotine?
If your teenager has a nicotine addiction, your first step should be consulting with their pediatrician or your family doctor. They can help you determine how serious the addiction is and what options might be available for helping your teenager quit.
Why is it important for teens to push back against their parents?
“As kids turn to teens, it’s natural for them to push back against their parents to assert their independence and to turn to their peers for support and guidance instead,” Mopper said.
How many high school seniors have vaped?
In December 2018, the National Institute on Drug Abuse released a report detailing a “dramatic increase” in the use of vaping devices by teenagers, stating that 37.3 percent of high school seniors had vaped within the previous year.
How to react when a parent discovers their child is vaping?
Getty Images. Experts advise parents who discover their teen is vaping to react in a calm and measured manner. Ask questions and listen to the answers they give.
What are the most common e-cigarettes for teens?
E-cigs come in many forms. They can resemble traditional tobacco cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. However, the most common e-cigs among teens are JUULs – sleek devices that resemble a USB flash drive – and vape pens that resemble traditional pens.
What does it mean when a pen looks like a USB drive?
If you come across an unusual looking pen or USB drive, often with holes on each end, chances are it’s a vaping device and not a typical pen or USB drive.
How long does a vape pen battery last?
While some vape pens can be charged with a simple USB cable, most require batteries. And, since an e-cig vape pen battery typically only lasts two hours with constant use, the battery needs to be charged regularly. If you find an unfamiliar battery or battery charging device, this could serve as another red flag that your child may be vaping.
When was Juul introduced?
What is most concerning, however, is the explosive popularity of the JUUL. Introduced by PAX Labs in 2015 as a smoking alternative for adults, JUUL is a brand-name e-cigarette that has outpaced its competition due to its sleek, highly discreet shape that closely resembles a USB flash drive. Small enough to fit into the palm of your hand, each JUUL pod packs in as much nicotine as one pack of cigarettes Image: Juul, The Vape Device Teens are Getting Hooked On.
What is an atomizer in an e-cigarette?
The atomizer is an important part of any e-cig. It’s the component of the e-cig that turns the e-liquid into vapor. The atomizers don’t last forever and eventually need to be discarded. If you come across a discarded atomizer in your child’s room, it can be a good indication that your child has been vaping.
What is a Juul pod?
To use a JUUL, users purchase JUUL “pods.” As the name suggests, the pod systems are e-cigs that make use of a pod as opposed to a traditional atomizer, although they pretty much serve the same function. If you happen to see discarded JUUL pods in your child’s backpack, bedroom, pockets or elsewhere, there’s reason for concern.
How many high school students use e-cigarettes?
According to the Center’s for Disease Control and Prevention’s annual National Tobacco Survey, 27.5 percent of high school students reported using an e-cigarette within the last 30 days, up from 20.8 percent in 2018. Originally designed to help people quit smoking cigarettes, e-cigs have turned into a national infatuation among teens ...
How does vaping affect the brain?
Vaping puts nicotine into the body. Nicotine is highly addictive and can: slow brain development in kids and teens and affect memory, concentration, learning, self-control, attention, and mood. can lead to smoking cigarettes and other forms of tobacco use.
What is vaping in smoking?
What Is Vaping? Vaping is the inhaling of a vapor created by an electronic cigarette ( e-cigarette ) or other vaping device. E-cigarettes are battery-powered smoking devices. They have cartridges filled with a liquid that usually contains nicotine, flavorings, and chemicals.
Why do people use e-cigarettes?
Some people use e-cigarettes to vape marijuana, THC oil, and other dangerous chemicals. Besides irritating the lungs, these drugs also affect how someone thinks, acts, and feels.
Why do people quit vaping?
People who vape need the right motivation to quit. Wanting to be the best, healthiest version of themselves is an important reason to quit vaping. Here are some others:
How does nicotine addiction affect you?
Nicotine addiction leads to very strong cravings for nicotine. It can also lead to: headaches. feeling tired, cranky, angry, or depressed. trouble concentrating. trouble sleeping. hunger. restlessness. The signs of withdrawal are strongest in the first few days after stopping.
How to help my child quit vaping?
Suggest that your child look into local programs and websites that help people quit vaping. Your health care provider can help you and your child find the right support.
How long does it take for a drug to get better after stopping?
The signs of withdrawal are strongest in the first few days after stopping. They get better over the following days and weeks.
How many high schoolers use vapes?
In 2017, 11% of high school children reported using an electronic cigarette in the past 30 days; that number rose to 21% in 2018, and by 2019 27.5% of high school students admitted to using the vape product in the past month [1].
How to talk to a child about vaping?
Rather than asking, “how could you do something like this?” open a dialogue by inviting your child to ask you questions and use this as a chance to learn more about their experience. Ask them about how they were first introduced to vaping, what types of pressure they feel to participate, and how they feel about their usage as well as how others around them are using it. Understanding the experience of your child will allow you to help them better. For example, if they don’t want to participate but feel pressure to do so, you could help them practice saying no and figure out how to remove themselves from uncomfortable situations. Plus, approaching the conversation in this way will help your kids to see you as an ally they can turn to for help in the future, rather than an adversary to hide things from.
Is Juul the same as vaping?
As a result of these many names, it can be difficult for parents to keep up with what their kids are discussing and doing. For example, while the Juuling definition is the same as vaping, it is even more specific as Juul is a brand name of vaping device.
Is vaping safe for kids?
Explain the Health Risks Unfortunately, many children who decide to try e-cigarettes are not informed or aware of the health risks associated with consistent use of the devices. In fact, many kids are under the impression that vaping is a safe alternative to traditional smoking. Perhaps the most significant health risk associated with a nicotine addiction is the fact that health professionals are unclear about the long-term risks and effects these vaping devices will have on a young person’s health and brain development. Make sure you discuss this with your child and help them to understand what that could mean for them as they grow older.
What are tobacco companies targeting?
Tobacco companies are targeting young people with ads, price discounts and enticing new products such as e-cigs designed to look like sleek gadgets. Many teens and young adults exposed to these efforts are highly impressionable and dealing with social pressures to “fit in” with peers.
How to steer kids away from tobacco?
Here are some of the most effective ways you can steer your kids away from tobacco: Maintain a dialogue. Start early — begin talking with your kids about smoking and vaping in kindergarten. Be honest and open to seeing things from your child’s point of view. And don’t stop.
What to do if a friend offers a cigarette?
Discuss what they might say if a friend offers a cigarette or e-cigarette. Set a good example. If you smoke or vape, the best thing you can do is quit. At a minimum, don’t smoke around your children. Establish a smoke-free home. Don’t allow family members or friends to smoke in your home or car.
Can you smoke with your kids?
At a minimum, don’t smoke around your children. Establish a smoke-free home. Don’t allow family members or friends to smoke in your home or car. Make sure the places your child spends a lot of time are tobacco-free. If your child has started smoking or vaping, try to learn why.
How do I stop vaping?
There is not yet one tried and true "answer" for how to stop vaping , but with good family discussion and support, you and your teen can find out together the best answer for them. Here are some resources I recommend to educate yourself on vaping and prevention:
Why do bad decisions go together?
Adolescence and bad decisions go together for a reason. Neurologically, the parts of the brain responsible for good judgment, planning decisions, and slowing down impulses, are still growing. Developmentally, adolescents are figuring out who they are outside of their family and in the world at large. This has to involve some level of "trying on" ...
Is vaping a trend?
Vaping is a recent trend in youth experimentation, and the dangers are becoming more evident. Parents.com's 'Ask Your Mom' advice columnist Emily Edlynn, Ph.D., explains the ways to deal if your teen is vaping that will make it more likely for them to actually stop. By Emily Edlynn, Ph.D. November 15, 2019.
Do teens want to talk to their parents about vaping?
Teens also want their parents to be approachable for a conversation about vaping. "If kids do decide to experiment with vaping, they should be made to feel comfortable talking to and getting information about the topic from their parents," says Morgan Patsy, 17, from St. Paul, MN.
Who is the columnist on Ask Your Mom?
Submit your parenting questions to 'Ask Your Mom' columnist Emily here, and they may be answered in future 'Ask Your Mom' columns.
Do fear tactics work?
We know from the days of the prolific but totally useless "Just Say No" drug campaign, frying egg on the skillet and all, that fear tactics do not work. Teenagers feel invincible and are very present-focused, so scaring them about what is going to happen in the future often barely makes a dent in their curiosity and impulse to rebel.
How to help a child who is vaping?
Ask your child what they know about vaping and whether it’s happening at school. Help them think through how they’ll respond if they’re pressured to use e-cigarettes, says Megan Jacobs, managing director of product innovation at Truth Initiative, who also spoke to NPR. And if you learn that your child is vaping, don’t try to punish or shame them, Koval said. It won’t work. Vaping can affect young people’s moods and impulse control, and it’s possible your child is already addicted to nicotine.
What is Juul flavored e-cigarette?
E-cigarette flavors like mint, mango and cotton candy especially appeal to young people. In fact, 97% of all youth who vape use flavored cigarettes.
How many parents know about Juul?
Published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, the study surveyed 2,885 parents of high school and middle school students from October to November 2018, about one month following the acknowledgement of a youth e-cigarette use epidemic by the Food and Drug Administration. Fewer than half — 44.2% — of parents could identify a picture of JUUL as a type of e-cigarette. More than one-third — 35.1% — couldn’t recognize the device at all.
How much did Juul spend on the internet?
JUUL also spent more than $1 million to market the product on the internet, and funded summer camps, visited schools and paid community and church groups to distribute their materials, according to documents and testimony from congressional hearings about JUUL’s role in the youth e-cigarette epidemic.
How many people will quit vaping in 2020?
Already in 2020, more than 90,000 youth and young adults have enrolled. The program — created with input from teens, college students and young adults who have tried to, or successfully, quit e-cigarettes — gives young people a free, confidential and anonymous way to access behavioral support to quit vaping.
What is this is quitting program?
This is Quitting, the first-of-its kind e-cigarette quit program from Truth Initiative, is tailored by age group to give teens and young adults appropriate recommendations about quitting. And it’s already showing results.
Do young people smoke e-cigarettes?
And though e-cigarettes have been marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, young people who use e-cigarettes are actually four times more likely to start smoking cigarettes in the future compared to their peers who do not use e-cigarettes. E-cigarette use among youth also puts them at risk for early nicotine addiction, which can harm brain development and make adolescent brains more susceptible to other addictive drugs. And yet many young people aren’t even aware that they’re consuming nicotine when they use e-cigarettes. About 63% of young people who use JUUL don’t know that the product always contains nicotine.
