how to talk to my son about vaping

How to Talk to Your Kids About Vaping

• Arm Yourself With Relevant Info Only 2 in 5 parents are confident that they can influence their child not to vape, according to the Ad Council and C+R Research. ...
• Focus on Short- and Long-Term Health Risks ...
• Be Mindful of Your Child's Stress ...
• Strive to Be Empathic and Calm ...
• Practice—Then, Keep the Convo Going ...
• Be Positive ...

Full Answer

How to talk with your son or daughter about vaping?

• Wait until the child is sober to have the talk.
• Understand that hostility won’t work. ...
• Have evidence or at least a firm understanding of the root of the concern because this will help to remove or chip away at the child’s denial tactics.
• Offer potential solutions, such as information on a rehab program that can provide professional help.

How much do you really know about kids and vaping?

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 ; increase the risk of other types of addiction as adults; E-cigarettes also: irritate the lungs; may cause serious lung damage and even death

How to know if your kid is vaping marijuana?

Signs Your Child is Vaping and Next Steps to Take

• Moodiness. According to SmokeFree.gov nicotine and mood are inextricably linked. ...
• Irregular Periods. ...
• Increased Heart Rate / Restlessness. ...
• Shortness of Breath / Chest Pains. ...
• Acne / Skin Changes. ...
• Pneumonia. ...

How to help kids stop vaping?

• Know the facts.
• Get credible information about e-cigarettes and young people from sources such as the surgeon general’s office, the Truth Initiative, and Parents Against Vaping.
• Be patient and ready to listen.
• Avoid criticism and encourage an open dialogue.
• Remember, your goal is to have a conversation, not to deliver a lecture.

More items...

What to ask a child who has tried vaping?

How to make your child not vape?

How to get people to think about vaping?

Why do kids vape?

See 1 more

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What do I do if my son is 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.

How do I discipline my child for vaping?

Before giving them a harsh punishment, make sure you talk to them about why they're vaping and how often. Give them the low-down on the negative effects of vaping, but don't scare them into throwing it away. Always give them appropriate consequences and be consistent with your discipline approach.

What do you say to your teenager when vaping?

Here are seven suggestions for how you could start talking with your teen about vaping.Look for a natural conversation starter. ... Explain that most e-cigarettes do contain nicotine. ... Point out the dangers of vaping without judgment and let them know you're concerned about their health. ... Remind them that not everyone vapes.More items...

What do I tell my kid about vaping?

Tell them why they should care. Over time, the chemicals in e-cigarettes will affect your attention span, memory and lungs. Once you're addicted, vaping will be the boss of you. Even when you don't want to do it, you'll have to do it.

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.

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 can you tell if your house is vaping?

“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.

What are good questions to ask about vaping?

Your questions about vaping, answeredWhat is vaping?When is vaping legal? Illegal?What is in e-liquids/vape juice?Is vaping ever safe?Does vaping always involve nicotine?Is vaping addictive?Are there any advantages of vaping compared to smoking traditional cigarettes?Does vaping help people quit smoking?More items...•

What age group is vaping the most?

Teens and young adults. Gallup says that 20% of people age 18 to 29 vape, compared to 9% of people age 30 to 49, 7% of people age 50 to 64, and less than 0.5% of people older than 65. And, according to the Truth Initiative, 15- to 17-year-olds are 16 times more likely to vape than 25- to 34-year-olds.

What age is appropriate for vaping?

The push for Tobacco 21 laws. Part of the Food and Drug Administration's 2016 Deeming Rule was a federal ban on the sales of vapor products to those under age 18.

Is it OK for a 13 year old to vape?

A: The federal minimum age to purchase e-cigarette products is 18, but the laws vary by state – 49 states have set a minimum age that is older than 18. 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.

How can you tell if your house is vaping?

“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.

What do you do if you get caught vaping at school?

Your parents will be asked to come and meet with admin and take you home for the remainder of the day. For a first incident, you may have an in-school suspension for up to 3 days. A second incident of vaping may result in more severe consequences including suspension out of school.

What do you do when you catch your child smoking?

If you catch your teen smoking or vaping, avoid threats and ultimatums. Ask a few questions and find out why your child is smoking or vaping; they may want to be accepted by a peer group or want your attention. Talk about what changes can be made in your teen's life to help them stop smoking.

What does vaping do to children's lungs?

Research has revealed that some of the chemicals can turn on the inflammatory system in the lungs, which can lead to lung disease and respiratory problems, often referred to as vaping associated pulmonary illness (VAPI). Some of the chemicals in vaping liquids are known to cause cancer.

How to Talk to Your Kids about Vaping - American Lung Association

4 Consider this an ongoing conversation. When you first bring up the subject, your kid might be caught off guard and reluctant to engage. But once you open the door to the topic, they’ll be more inclined to

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 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.

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.

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.

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?

Why do parents sugarcoat messages?

Sometimes parents like to sugarcoat a message in order to make it something that their children can better understand, but this type of discussion needs to be more direct than that. This lets children know that they are serious about what they are discussing, and it makes it easier for them to understand, since it will be impossible for the child to think the parent is talking about something else.

Can parents talk about vaping?

Saying things that are not truthful is never helpful in any type of conversation, so that is why parents need to make sure they do a lot of research on vaping before they talk to their kids about it. Little ones need to be able to know that they can always go to their parents for information that is truthful and reliable.

Is vaping good for kids?

Kids are not just concerned about their health, so parents also need to inform them about the other reasons why vaping is not a good idea. If the e-juice that is in one of those devices has a bad smell, it could make them have bad breath, which is something no teenager wants to have, especially when they are hanging out with their friends.

The Health Dangers Of Vaping

Vaping is particularly concerning among adolescents because of nicotine’s harmful effects on the brain (which continues to develop until the age of 25). Moreover, nicotine is largely viewed as a gateway drug, and early exposure to nicotine may increase the risk of future addiction to harder drugs.

Juul And Its Popularity

Juul essentially works like other e-cigarettes and vaping devices, however, its design features are what set it apart.

How To Tell If Your Child Is Vaping

Teenagers are secretive as it is, and figuring out what’s going on in their lives from one day to the next is difficult enough. So how can parents tell if their teen is vaping?

School Boards Are Now Taking Action Too

To date, nearly 100 school districts have decided to take vape companies to task filing lawsuits against Juul and its competitors.

You or Your Child Harmed by JUUL?

If your child has developed a nicotine addiction or has otherwise been harmed after using Juul, you can take legal action and participate in these lawsuits. By participating in these lawsuits, you can potentially receive monetary compensation for the injuries sustained.

Free Case Evaluation

If you or your child harmed by Juul, you may be entitled to compensation.

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 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 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.

Why does the author suggest talking to teens about how the makers of tobacco products are trying to manipulate them?

Instead of harping on the dangers of smoking, he suggests talking to teens about how the makers of tobacco products are trying to manipulate them — because no teenager wants to believe they could be easily manipulated.

Question

I caught my 16-year-old son vaping. I explained that this is not allowed and discussed the harmful effects. I found out through reading his texts that he was doing it again, had purchased products and was even buying vape products for other kids. I confronted him, took it all away and made it very clear that it is not allowed.

Answer

We're glad to hear you talked about the harmful effects of vaping with your son. What's scary is that it is still a new concept, as cigarettes were back in the day, so the long-term effects of vaping ​are yet to be known, but there likely will be some, as those who vape are still inhaling nicotine in liquid form.

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 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.

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.

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.