how to confront teenager about vaping

How To Talk To Teens About Vaping

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How do you talk to your teen about vaping?

When talking to your teens about vaping, play it casual, Offutt recommends. “It’s not really a judgmental way to ask the question,” she says. “It’s more just, ‘I’ve read this, and I’m curious what you’ve heard about it.’

Is teens vaping a problem?

Teens vaping is a serious concern amongst many people, but by intervening in children’s lives, we can put a stop to these destructive behaviors and vices, and decrease the risks of them developing a severe illness. If you have experience with teens vaping, or if you are a teen who has vaped in the past or still vapes, please leave a comment below.

How should parents explain vaping to kids?

She suggests parents flip the script, to portray vaping as a conformist behavior instead of a rebellious one, and explain to kids that vaping companies are "in cahoots with the cigarette industry. We need to show [kids] that by being 'rebellious' and vaping, they're doing exactly what the industry wants them to do."

How do I stop my teenager from smoking and vaping?

Take an active stance against teen smoking. Participate in local and school-sponsored smoking prevention campaigns. Support efforts to make public places smoke-free and increase taxes on tobacco products. Talk to your teen early and often about the dangers of smoking and vaping.

Why do teens engage in vaping?

addiction, they like the “hit” they get from nicotine. appealing flavors (e.g. fruit, candy, dessert) devices are seen as trendy, or a status symbol. they consider vaping “harmless” and “safer than smoking” in order to quit or cut down on smoking.

What parents should know about vaping?

becoming a smoker: Young people who vape are more likely to start smoking regular (tobacco) cigarettes and may be more likely to develop other addictions in the future. impotence: There is some evidence that vaping can cause sexual dysfunction in men. sleep problems. exposure to cancer-causing chemicals.

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.

What do I do if I catch my kid vaping?

If your child is caught vaping or admits to vaping, try to stay calm and non-judgmental. Listen, don't lecture....Invite your child to talk, be patient and ready to listen.Try to understand their feelings.Avoid showing judgment.Keep asking questions and check to make sure you understand.

Can parents smell vape?

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. “Parents may also notice generalized symptoms of vaping, such as mouth sores or infections, chronic respiratory inflammation and dry eyes,” he said.

What are 5 risks of vaping?

Vaping has been linked to lung injury.Rapid onset of coughing.Breathing difficulties.Weight loss.Nausea and vomiting.Diarrhea.

Is vaping worse than smoking?

1: Vaping is less harmful than smoking, but it's still not safe. E-cigarettes heat nicotine (extracted from tobacco), flavorings and other chemicals to create an aerosol that you inhale. Regular tobacco cigarettes contain 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic.

What is the biggest reason kids vape?

The top spot belongs to curiosity. Among the teens who were surveyed, 56.1 percent listed curiosity as a reason they tried e-cigarettes.

Why do people start vaping?

For some, vaping is the answer. The nicotine contained in e-liquids can induce a sense of relaxation and help reduce anxiety. However, contrary to popular belief, not all e-liquids contain nicotine. Many brands offer non-nicotine e-liquid flavors for those that vape for enjoyment.

Why is vaping addictive?

Nicotine is the primary agent in regular cigarettes and e-cigarettes, and it is highly addictive. It causes you to crave a smoke and suffer withdrawal symptoms if you ignore the craving.

Why did vaping become so popular?

Public Health England, the UK's national health body, conducted a widely-cited study concluding that vaping was 95 percent safer than smoking. Emboldened by these findings, even more smokers began to take to vaping, particularly in England, where the adult smoking rate dropped precipitously.

How do peers influence kids?

Peers can have lots of influence over activities. “Instead of hanging out with the kids that they vape with, perhaps there are other activities they could be participating in,” says Krishnan-Sarin. “Encourage your kids to participate in healthy activities like clubs or sports teams.”

What to do if parents find something?

If parents do find something, they can be supportive by asking how they can help, Dr. Camenga says.

Does Juul have nicotine?

In fact, the vaping liquid in Juul’s pods contains surprisingly high levels of nicotine. Though a 5% nicotine by weight pod contains less than an eyedropper-full of liquid, it delivers the same amount of nicotine as a person would get by smoking an entire pack of regular cigarettes.

Can parents talk about vaping?

If possible, parents can offer their own stories about vaping, especially if they currently do it. Parents can talk about the vaping they’ve seen. The conversation can also speak directly to peer pressure. All parents have situations they remember in which they were pressured to do something, like try a substance or cheat on a test. Sharing these stories can help make teens more comfortable and willing to open up about theirs, says Lebowitz.

Does nicotine affect concentration?

Not only can nicotine cause physical changes in the brain, leading to difficulty concentrating, these changes can be permanent. Parents can look up resources through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General .

Can parents be ready for a conversation?

With a little preparation, parents can be ready, no matter who starts the conversation.

Does Juul pod contain nicotine?

Careful to avoid “lecture mode,” Dahl recalls that she gently pointed out that the classmates were spreading myths. All pods sold by Juul contain nicotine. She kept the conversation going by asking the boys what they thought about vaping. Dahl says that getting teens to understand the contents, both known and unknown, in vaping liquid has been one of the most challenging parts of her job.

Why is vaping easier to hide?

Vaping is easier to hide because it doesn’t leave a telltale odor of traditional cigarettes or visible secondhand emissions, says Steven Schroeder, M.D., director of the Smoking Cessation Leadership Center at the University of California San Francisco.

What is this is quitting?

This is Quitting is a smoking cessation program developed by Truth Initiative in collaboration with Mayo Clinic that offers a texting program to help quit e-cigarettes. Teens can enroll by texting “QUIT” to 706-222-QUIT. The program delivers tailored messages via text that give age-appropriate quitting advice.

Is vaping a teen epidemic?

Using e-cigarettes (vaping) is now a teen epidemic. Between 2017 and 2018, e-cigarette use among middle schoolers increased by 48 percent and among high schoolers by 78 percent, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. More than a quarter of all high school students are frequent e-cigarette users.

Is nicotine addictive?

Nicotine is highly addictive; it’s what gets users hooked, Folkenroth says. Nicotine exposure during adolescence can harm a teen’s developing brain. The inhaled aerosol also contains other potentially harmful chemicals, such as acrolein and diacetyl, both of which have been linked to serious lung damage.

Is parenting a teenager fun?

Parenting teens can be lonely, hilarious, frustrating, and fun. No matter where you are, we're here for you.

Can parents stop vaping?

Parents can feel lost and even a little desperate when it comes to stopping vaping. But the American Lung Association cautions against this kind of screening. Instead they favor education, consistent parent-teen communication, positive support, and parents connecting teens with intervention or cessation programs.

Do e-cigarettes contain nicotine?

She was right to be concerned. “Almost all e-cigarettes contain nicotine, even those that claim they don’t, because there’s no FDA oversight of the manufacturing,” says Jennifer Hobbs Folkenroth, national senior director, tobacco control at American Lung Association.

How to talk to teens about vaping?

When talking to your teens about vaping, play it casual, Offutt recommends. “It’s not really a judgmental way to ask the question,” she says. “It’s more just, ‘I’ve read this, and I’m curious what you’ve heard about it.’ Or, ‘Do you know any kids that are using e-cigarettes?’ or ‘What do your classmates think about e-cigarettes?’ It’s a nice way to open that conversation.”

Why are young people vulnerable to vaping?

Young people are particularly vulnerable to using e-cigarettes and vaping devices and to their effects. The younger a person is when he or she tries nicotine, the greater the risk of addiction. The developing brain is more vulnerable to the effects of addictive substances than a fully developed adult brain.

What flavors are available in vaping?

Today, vaping products are available in fruit, candy and dessert flavors. By clicking an online button assuring they’re over 18, kids can order strawberry, peach, blueberry and coconut blends; doughnut and “Belgian waffle” flavors; and chocolate, cherry and cotton candy choices among countless others.

Can vaping devices be used as a replacement for cigarettes?

E-cigarettes and other vaping devices would be a preferred alternative to traditional cigarettes, when used exclusively as a replacement and only among smokers who have been unable to quit smoking using proven, medically approved methods. However, there is little conclusive evidence that they reliably reduce cigarette smoking or lead to smoking cessation.

Is vaping a social experience?

For kids, vaping may seem like a fun, harmless, social experience. But for parents, vaping is both an X-factor and an all-too-familiar echo of the past. Toxins masked with sweet candy flavors and marketed as cool social props feels similar to the way tobacco cigarettes were sold for decades.

Can kids smoke e-cigarettes?

It’s harder to detect if kids are using e-cigarettes than traditional smoking, Offutt says. “They won’t have smoke on their breath,” she says. “But they might have bloodshot eyes. Or they may show signs of nicotine withdrawal,” she adds, like the irritability adult cigarette smokers can experience. She’s posted sample pictures of vaping devices on her website. “So if parents see anything that looks like that and they’re not sure what it is, that could be a clue,” she says.

Is vaping FDA approved?

E-cigarettes and other vaping devices are not FDA approved.

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:

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.

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.

How to approach a teen who is vaping?

The best and most effective way to approach teens vaping is not to be confrontational. Calmly approach them and speak to them in a regular voice. Do not yell at them or strike them. Doing this will put the child on the defensive and make them more confrontational.

How to educate teens about vaping?

How to Educate Teens on Vaping. The best way to educate teens about vaping is to tell them about the risks associated with it. Some teenagers do not know that vaping could cause damage to their health, so making them aware of this fact could convince them to quit.

Why Are So Many Teens Vaping?

There are many reasons why vaping is on the rise among teenagers. A lot of teens like vaping because they are attracted to the high tech look and feel of the vapes.

How many cigarettes are in a Juul pod?

In fact, the amount of nicotine in some Juul pods can be the equivalent of 20 cigarettes. A nicotine addiction could also result in vaping teens using tobacco. In 2018, the National Academy of Medicine reported that vaping could increase the chances of someone starting smoking.

What is the CDC recommendation for vaping?

The first thing they say is that parents should be tobacco and vape free themselves. Choosing not to smoke or vape will set a good example.

What happens if you spot a student vaping?

Failure to do so is a violation of many school policies, and ignoring vaping could result in being fired.

How do teens overcome nicotine addiction?

Teenagers can overcome their addictions to nicotine through willpower and assistance from supportive family and friends.

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.

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 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.

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 help a teenager who is vaping?

Cognitive behavioral therapy can help redirect thoughts when cravings hit. Talk therapy can address underlying anxiety or depression, which may be related to the reason the teen is vaping or have been triggered by quitting. Other activities can calm an agitated mind in withdrawal, especially yoga, meditation and sports.

Why do teens vape?

Many forces bore down to compel your child to vape, including social media, peer pressure and the easy accessibility of flavored products. It is really hard for any teenager to step away from those omnipresent enticements.

What is the ingredient in vaping liquid?

But the chief worry is over the ingredient commonly found in vaping liquids: nicotine. Nicotine is the addictive chemical that chains both cigarette smokers and vapers, compelling them to repeated use. Its grip is tough to break. Teenagers, whose brains are still developing, are particularly susceptible. Parents and educators are discovering that, ...

What happens if you unleash an angry outburst?

So if you unleash an angry outburst, they will likely push back, thinking you are making a big deal over nothing. Also realize that the defensiveness and fibbing you’re hearing may not be just a child reacting to being caught — the sort of behavior that earns consequences and stern lectures. This is different.

How many middle schoolers use e-cigarettes?

Credit... Vaping is surging among American adolescents. According to one national survey, 3.6 million middle and high school students used e-cigarettes in 2018.

What to do when your child struggles to break free?

As your child struggles to break free, make sure they know you’re not the enemy, but a steadfast ally.

What can calm an agitated mind?

Other activities can calm an agitated mind in withdrawal, especially yoga, meditation and sports. A teenager can renew acquaintance with a passionate interest or hobby that might have fallen away.

What is the national quit line number?

If you don't have a local number, you can start with the national quitline number 1-800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) , which is operated by the National Cancer Institute, to be routed to a local quitline. "Most of the quitlines will talk to teenager," Tanski says.

Can kids quit vaping?

Nicotine in e-cigarettes can be highly addictive, and the science of quitting vaping hasn't yet caught up to the sharp rise in youth use of e-cigs. Still, most kids should be able to quit cold turkey, Tanski says. But it's critical they get parental support, and it would help if they have peer support, too (i.e. if a group of friends who've vaped, makes the decision to stop together).

Is vaping a carcinogen?

Based on findings in the Pediatrics study, e-cigarette users are vaping a number cancer-causing, or carcinogenic, volatile organic compounds, including propylene oxide, acrylamide, acrylonitrile and crotonaldehyde.

Should kids stop vaping?

Bottom line, clinicians say, is to support kids in stopping vaping – now – before harms accumulate or a child moves on to traditional cigarettes and is exposed to even more serious, well-known dangers.

Can e-cigarettes be used as a quit aid?

The picture can be hazy for parents trying to protect their kids, too. For one thing, all the back-and-forth debate regarding e-cigarettes' potential usefulness as a quit aid for adults who smoke traditional cigarettes can distract from the risks vaping poses to kids who have never smoked at all, experts say.

Can high school students vape marijuana?

In her own research, she's also found that high school students sometimes use e-cigarette devices to discreetly vape marijuana. "You can conceal it," she says. "When you vape pot, it doesn't smell anywhere near as strong as when you smoke it.".

Is it safe to smoke e-cigarettes?

Rubinstein led research evaluating toxic chemicals in e-cigarettes published earlier this year in the journal Pediatrics. Although e-cigarettes are generally considered safer than cigarettes given they typically have lower levels of toxins, health experts say that's hardly a measure of safety.

What does vaping smell like?

While anyone can identify a conventional cigarette and the smell of its lingering smoke, the odor produced by vaping products is usually minimal and sometimes almost candy-like. Brands allegedly market their products to adolescents by including playful fruit or mint flavors that help camouflage the taste of nicotine or THC in the product. The brands also reportedly use youthful advertising and packaging to target teens.

How many teens have vaped in the past 30 days?

When surveyed in 2018, approximately four million middle and high school students said they had vaped within the past 30 days.

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What is the most important thing parents can do to educate their teens about vaping?

Being up front and truthful about vaping and its dangers is key. "The most important thing parents can do is have open lines of communication with their teen and educate them on the risks and stats," says Dr. Albert.

What are the symptoms of e-cigarette use?

Symptoms of e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) include: shortness of breath, persistent cough, chest pain, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and fatigue.

What is the additive used in THC oil?

The recent outbreak of lung-related illness and injury that hospitalized more than 2,600 and led to 60 deaths has been linked to the discovery of Vitamin E acetate, an additive used in THC-based oils to dilute the product that sticks to the lungs.

Does vaping cause mood swings?

According to Dr. Nadine Cohen, CareMount Medical Internist and Adolescent Medicine specialist, vaping users may experience noticeable changes in behavior including mood swings and a short temper. "A child or teen who was normally even keeled may start to demonstrate mood swings which are unrelated to hormonal or pubertal changes," Dr. Cohen says.