how to talk to teens about vaping

How To Talk To Teens About Vaping

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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.

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What to do if parents find something?

How do peers influence kids?

Does Juul have nicotine?

Can parents talk about vaping?

Does nicotine affect concentration?

Can parents be ready for a conversation?

Does Juul pod contain nicotine?

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How do I stop my teenager from 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 you talk to students about vaping?

Tips from teachers: how to talk to your kids about vapingFind the time to talk. The sooner you start talking, the better. ... Be direct. Say, “I don't want you to use e-cigarettes.” Tell them your reasons. ... Talk about the real facts. ... Focus on the social issues. ... Teach them to say no. ... More resources:

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.

Is it OK for a 15 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.

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 teenager (or anyone) to vape. Aside from the risk of heart attack or stroke, the nicotine alone has been shown to be a highly addictive substance.

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.

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 you convince someone to not vape?

tell loved ones and enlist support. get rid of vaping products. buy gum, hard candies, toothpicks, and other things you can use to help fight the urge to vape. talk to a therapist or review online resources.

Why do teenagers vape?

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.

How does vaping affect the teenage brain?

Brain risks: Nicotine affects your brain development. This can make it harder to learn and concentrate. Some of the brain changes are permanent and can affect your mood and ability to control your impulses as an adult.

What percentage of teenagers vape?

Data also shows that teens are not simply experimenting with e-cigarettes but are instead using them habitually. In 2021, more than a quarter (27.6%) of high school e-cigarette users and 8.3% of current middle school e-cigarette users reported vaping daily, according to the 2021 National Youth Tobacco Survey.

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 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...•

How do I talk to my child about smoking?

How to Talk with Your Child About SmokingStart early. It is a good idea to start talking with your children about the dangers of cigarettes when they are 5 or 6 years old. ... Stay connected. ... Be clear about your rules and expectations. ... Talk about the risks of tobacco. ... Know your kids' friends.

How do I talk to my teenager about 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 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.

5 Ways to Talk to Teens About Vaping Now That They’re Home

2. Ask, Listen, Inform. Once the conversation gets going, the frame can change from “curiosity” to knowledge-sharing. Many people, teens included, still don't know about the dangers of vaping.

Talk with Your Teen About E-cigarettes: A Tip Sheet for Parents - HHS.gov

Talk with Your Teen About E-cigarettes: A Tip Sheet for Parents BEFORE THE TALK Know the facts. • Get credible information about e-cigarettes and

Talking with Your Teen About Vaping - Substance Abuse and Mental Health ...

It’s never too late to start talking with your teen about the risks of vaping. As teens age, they make more decisions on their own and face

What to do if your kid tried vaping?

Teach, don't preach. If you do find out that your kid has tried vaping, resist the temptation to read them the riot act. "You're not going to punish, yell, or shame your kid out of vaping," Koval says. Megan Jacobs, managing director of product innovation at Truth Initiative, agrees.

How to talk to your kids about bullying?

Instead of wagging the finger, invite your kids to ask questions — and ask them questions of your own, to find what what kind of pressure they're experiencing. Koval says this can be a jumping off point for a good conversation. "Ask,don't tell. 'Is Juuling really popular in your school? How are you feeling about it?' Parents need to understand how much bullying is going on, how much peer pressure is going on."

What if e-cigarettes were Romaine lettuce?

If E-Cigs Were Romaine Lettuce, They'd Be Off The Shelf, Vaper's Mom Tells Congress. Dr. Suchitra Krishnan-Sarin, a psychiatrist at Yale University, who specializes in teenage substance abuse, says when it comes to some ingredients, "we don't really know the long term effect on your health.".

Do vape pens leave a smell on clothes?

Vape pens are easy to conceal, they're easy to confuse with other electronic gadgets like USB flash drives, and they generally don't leave lingering smells on clothes. All these things make them appealing to underage users, and confounding to parents. Gone are the days when sniffing a teenager's jacket or gym bag counted as passive drug screening. Now if parents want to know if their teens are vaping nicotine or cannabis, their best bet is a good old fashioned conversation.

Can a teen quit vaping?

If your teen vapes, Krishnan-Sarin says to take it as seriously as any other addiction, and be aware of how hard it is to quit. "Some kids may experience the physiological and psychological symptoms of withdrawal, and might need pharmacological support like nicotine replacement therapy." For teen-specific social support, Truth Initiative developed This Is Quitting — a vaping cessation program for young people. To join, text "DITCHJUUL" to 88709.

Is vaping harmful to kids?

Elsa Pearson, a policy analyst at Boston University, says that among this generation, smoking is "a complete faux pas" but vaping is seen as benign — and cool. "Kids don't see [vaping] as harmful — they see it as very different from smoking cigarettes," Pearson says.

Who said "Don't smoke, don't smoke, don't smoke"?

Jacobs has had many conversations with parents of teen vapers in the course of building Truth Initiative's programs, and they tell her: "I really thought I had nicotine-proofed my kids, because I hammered home over and over again, 'Don't smoke, don't smoke, don't smoke.' And they're not smoking — but they're vaping."

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.

Who said "Don't smoke, don't smoke, don't smoke"?

Jacobs has had many conversations with parents of teen vapers in the course of building Truth Initiative's programs, and they tell her: "I really thought I had nicotine-proofed my kids, because I hammered home over and over again, 'Don't smoke, don't smoke, don't smoke.' And they're not smoking — but they're vaping."

Is vaping safe for teens?

Surprisingly, there's a widespread the misconception among teens that vaping is safe. "Two thirds of kids didn't realize Juul always has nicotine," says Robin Koval, CEO of Truth Initiative, a public health organization focused on ending tobacco use. "Many of them started vaping thinking it was just great flavors and water vapor. They certainly didn't sign up to become addicted."

Is vaping harmful to kids?

Elsa Pearson, a policy analyst at Boston University, says that among this generation, smoking is "a complete faux pas" but vaping is seen as benign — and cool. "Kids don't see [vaping] as harmful — they see it as very different from smoking cigarettes," Pearson says.

Who should a teen talk to about e-cigarettes?

You might also suggest that your teen talk with other trusted adults, such as relatives, teachers, faith leaders, coaches, or counselors whom you know are aware of the risks of e-cigarettes.

Is it too late to quit smoking?

If you use tobacco, it’s never too late to quit. For free help, visit smokefree.gov or call

Is it safe to smoke e-cigarettes?

Smoking and tobacco use, including using e-cigarettes, are unsafe for young people. Remind and repeat. Most teenagers don’t use e-cigarettes. E-cigarettes with nicotine can mess with your brain, and your brain is still developing until you are at least 25.

Does nicotine make it harder to concentrate?

Using nicotine at your age may make it harder for you to concentrate, learn, or control your impulses.

Can e-cigarettes make you addicted?

Just learned that many e-cigarettes have nicotine in them. That’s the drug that makes cigarettes so addictive. Nicotine can also mess with your brain development. Just saw a report from the Surgeon General that e-cigarettes can mess with how your brain develops and might even affect your mood and focus.

Can you breathe in cloud from e-cigarettes?

The cloud that people exhale from e-cigarettes can expose you to chemicals that are not safe to breathe.

Is texting a good way to reach teens?

Many parents find that texting is a great way to reach their teens. Here are some suggestions for text messages that

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.

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.”

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.