how to talk to kids about vaping

How to Talk to Your Kids About Vaping

Full Answer

How do I confront my child about 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.

What age is appropriate for vaping?

at least 21 years oldBuyers must be at least 21 years old in California, the District of Columbia, Guam, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, and Virginia. As for whether nicotine amount affects the legal age to vape, all e-liquid can only be sold to adults, but you will want to confirm with local lawmakers.

Is it okay for a 12 year old to vape?

The use of e-cigarettes is unsafe for kids, teens, and young adults. Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development, which continues into the early to mid-20s. E-cigarettes can contain other harmful substances besides nicotine.

What does a vape do to a 10 year old?

E-cigarettes contain a lot of nicotine, which is very addictive. Getting addicted to nicotine can make it harder for teenagers to focus and concentrate. E-cigarettes also contain chemicals that could cause cancer, and there are many reports of serious lung problems connected to vaping.

Is it OK for a 13 year old to vape?

Nicotine exposure during the teenage years can harm brain development, which continues until about age 25. It can impact learning, memory and attention, and increase risk for future addiction to other drugs. Young people who use e-cigarettes may be more likely to go on to use regular cigarettes.

What is a good punishment for vaping?

Most kids use vape pens because they cannot be easily recognized as e-cigarettes. Common punishments include community service, one-week suspension for first or second offenses, and even expulsion for repeated behavior.

What parents need to know about vaping?

Ingesting high doses of nicotine can lead to nicotine toxicity, which in severe cases can give rise to seizures as well as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, dizziness, respiratory failure, coma and paralysis. The other ingredients in vaping products, including the flavorings, are harmful as well.

What are 5 dangers of vaping?

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

What are the 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...•

How do I get my teenager to stop vaping?

You might want to talk to a health care provider who can suggest effective nicotine cessation programs that help teens kick the habit.Vaping has become an epidemic. ... Ask questions. ... Be patient. ... Help them remove temptation. ... Encourage them to have a plan. ... Point them toward more help.

How do 13 year olds get vapes?

Unfortunately, the majority of underage vaping users are still getting the products from local gas stations or areas in their community that sell the products. Some may also be getting them from friends and family members.

Is vaping harmful to children?

Nicotine is a highly addictive substance which can harm adolescent and young adult brain development2. Aside from nicotine the vapour when exhaled contains: Ultrafine particles – these can be inhaled deep into the lungs and may exacerbate conditions such as asthma and emphysema and could lead to a heart attack.

How do 13 year olds get vapes?

Unfortunately, the majority of underage vaping users are still getting the products from local gas stations or areas in their community that sell the products. Some may also be getting them from friends and family members.

Should I let my teenager vape?

Is it ok to let my kid vape? Because of the adverse effects and addictive quality, it is not a good idea to allow a kid to vape. Aside from the risk of heart attack or stroke, the nicotine alone has proven to be a highly addictive substance.

What are 5 dangers of vaping?

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

Can vapes without nicotine hurt you?

Some vape product manufacturers claim that vaping is a completely safe alternative to smoking. However, early research into the safety of the practice suggests this is not the case. In fact, it appears that vaping, even without nicotine, can have harmful effects on the body.

What to ask a child who has tried vaping?

If your child has already tried vaping, it helps to understand why. Consider asking questions like: “What do you enjoy about vaping?” or “How does vaping make you feel?” Answers to these questions highlight your child’s needs that can be addressed in a healthier way. It is also important to challenge children on their perceptions of norms. Teens tend to overestimate how many of their peers vape and research shows that such overestimations increase the risk that they will vape to ‘be normal’ or just like their peers.

How to get people to think about vaping?

Try using open-ended questions to get the conversation going, such as, “What do you think about vaping?” In these conversations, get their perspectives, acknowledge the potential appeal of vaping and help them weigh the risks against the perceived benefits. When answering their questions or comments, offer honest, accurate, science-based information rather than trying to scare them. Finally, try to have these conversations frequently, calmly and, if you can, before they try vaping.

How to make your child not vape?

Set clear expectations. Share why you do not want your child to vape and indicate that you expect your child not to vape. If you choose to set consequences, be sure to follow through, and make sure that these consequences are not overly harsh, punitive or long-lasting.

Why do kids vape?

Most kids start vaping due to curiosity, because friends and family vape, the appealing flavors, to do vape tricks, or because they think it’s cool or want to fit in. Over time, vaping can become habit-forming as kids use it to address other needs such as relief from boredom and anxiety.

What to do if your child is vaping?

"But hear their side of the story. If your child does express an interest in vaping, ask why from a non-judgmental place." She urges parents to put themselves in their child's shoes, as empathy can fuel strong, effective communication.

How many kids vape?

Did you know more than 5 million kids vape? It's such a problem the U.S. Surgeon General is calling youth vaping an epidemic. That's why it's important for parents to start a vaping conversation. Here's how.

What percentage of middle schoolers vape in 2019?

The reason: Given that research published in the Journal of he American Medical Association found more than 10.5 percent of middle schoolers vaped in 2019, the ALA wants to empower parents of tweens and young teens to have conversations that can prevent their kids from picking up the habit.

Why do kids use e-cigarettes?

Kids might be reaching for an e-cigarette to manage stress and anxiety , points out Dr. Garfield. If that's the case, parents should ensure they have healthy outlets and resources for managing these feelings.

Is vaping bad for kids?

To that end, he advises parents to discourage their child from being Big Tobacco's "guinea pig.". And always be specific. Dr. Garfield says parents should give details about the dangers of vaping, which will be more effective than using a sweeping statement, such as, "Vaping is bad for your health.".

Can e-cigarettes cause asthma?

Two: Toxins in e-cigarettes could cause asthma and bronchitis and worsen symptoms should you catch COVID-19 or any respiratory illness. "Talk to them about immediate and long-term health risks," he suggests. "We don't know what these toxins will do to the lungs in 10, 20 years.

Can vaping cause a child to lose attention?

At the same time, parents should steer clear of scare tactics and making dramatic claims—like equating vaping with illegal drugs—which could result in losing a child's attention. "This reduces your credibility and chances of connecting with them," says Dr. Garfield.

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.

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].

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.

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.

What are the factors that influence vaping?

One of the largest motivating factors of youth vaping is influence from friends or classmates.

How to talk to a child about a lecture?

As you talk to your child, avoid judgment or frustration. Kids may pick up on your tone and tune out or react defensively. An open conversation will disarm the notion that this is a lecture.

How to reintroduce a conversation topic?

Make sure to leave lines of communication open. Fact sharing is a great way to reintroduce the conversation topic.

How to help a child with stress?

Unfortunately, stress is universal and can be experienced at a young age. Talk to your kid about any larger concerns or pressures they may be feeling. Make sure they have healthy outlets for relief.

Does vaping hurt your lungs?

You know that vaping can damage your lungs, making it harder to play sports you love like [example]. Are you sure you want to risk something you love?

How to make your kid vape?

Your kid makes smart decisions every day. Resisting the temptation to vape can be one of them. Compliment their good judgement. Remind them that they are an independent thinker who doesn’t have to be influenced by peer pressure. Tell them you’re proud of their courage and principles.

How many high school students use e-cigarettes?

Over 27% of high school students have used e-cigarettes in the last month, and it’s likely their parents don’t even know. Vaping is easy to hide. Unlike traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes don’t leave the telltale scent of tobacco. But there are clues.