how to talk to your teenager about vaping

Be patient and ready to listen

• Avoid criticism and encourage an open dialogue.
• Remember, your goal is to have a meaningful conversation, not to give a lecture.
• Thank your teen for being honest with you if they tell you that they have tried vaping or vape regularly. Then offer to share some information about the risks of vaping, and discuss the benefits of being smoke- and vape-free.

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 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 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 should I punish my child 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.

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 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...•

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.

What are 5 negative effects of vaping?

Coughing, dry throat, headaches coughing. dry mouth and throat. shortness of breath. mouth and throat irritation.

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 the long term effects of vaping?

These risks include nicotine addiction, mood disorders, and permanent lowering of impulse control. Nicotine also changes the way synapses are formed, which can harm the parts of the brain that control attention and learning.

Can I test my 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.

What is the percentage of teenage vaping 2021?

14.1% (2.14 million) of high school students and 3.3% (380,000) of middle school students reported current e-cigarette use.

At what age do kids start vaping?

Young teens (ages 13 to 15): Young teens are starting to understand nuance and abstraction, but they're still unable to anticipate consequences in the same way as adults. As a result, this age group tends to be the highest risk-takers — and they're likely to have tried vaping already.

What happens if I get caught vaping at school?

Typical consequences may include confiscation of the vape, notification of parents, an administrative investigation and in some cases requiring the student attend an anti-smoking or anti-vaping class.

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.

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.

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.

How to help a teen stop vaping?

Try these techniques to help them stop: 1. Provide encouragement. Praise and reassurance from you and their peers will reinforce your child’s efforts. See if there’s a teen support group in your area or consider starting one. 2.

How to help a child who is nicotine dependent?

However, if you suspect that your child may be nicotine dependent, your doctor can recommend effective treatment options. 3. Manage stress. Using nicotine at any age may be an attempt to cope with stress. Help your child find safer alternatives, such as physical exercise and talking about their concerns. 4.

What is a Juul vape pen?

Tobacco industry experts are becoming savvier in their pursuit to sell more products, creating vape pens in different shapes and flavors, such as an easily concealed USB flash drive designed by the company, Juul. A study conducted in 2018 revealed that teens are 16 times more likely to use JUUL than older age groups.

Why is peer pressure important for teens?

It’s natural for teens to have a strong desire to fit in. Being able to handle peer pressure will help protect them from vaping and other harmful behavior.

Where can teens be found Juuling?

Teens are often found “JUULing” in classrooms and bathrooms at school. One standard JUUL cartridge delivers the equivalent nicotine of a pack of cigarettes, making it even more addictive, as well as increasing the risk of harm to brain development.

How many high school students use e-cigarettes?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 20.8% of high school students reported in 2018 that they used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days compared to 1.5% in 2011.

Is vaping safer than smoking?

Remember that while vaping may be safer than smoking, it’s still associated with serious health risks, especially for adolescents. Talk with your children about vaping to help them make sound decisions about their future.

Why do teens vape?

Compact vaporizers like Juuls, which look like flash drives, allow teenagers to easily conceal their e-cigarettes and take quick, discreet hits at home, in school hallways and even in class. And some teenagers may enjoy the stimulant quality of nicotine while trusting that they are swimming in the risk-taking shallows by forgoing harder drugs. Adolescents, by their nature, often seek ways to push the limits set by adults; vaping happens to offer a convenient vehicle for doing so.

What are some things that teens do that are unhealthy?

Adolescents (and adults) routinely do things they know to be unhealthy, such as speeding, skipping sunscreen and eating fast food. We should ensure that our teenagers are working with the facts about the potential dangers of vaping, having unprotected sex, using drugs and so on.

Is it safe to use e-cigarettes as a teenager?

To this end, we should allow that experimenting with conventional e-cigarettes is almost certainly less harmful than experimenting with illegal drugs, while also helping teenagers understand that using e-cigarettes is not without risks.

Is vaping safer than smoking?

Even when vaping doesn’t lead to smoking, parents have reason to be concerned about the impact of nicotine on the developing brain and the potential health risks associated with inhaling aerosolized flavoring chemicals. Vaping is generally understood to be less risk y than smoking. But not vaping is healthier than vaping.

Is vaping a carcinogen?

Even vaping solutions without nicotine sometimes contain compounds that may become toxic or even carcinogenic when vaporized. In addition, metal microparticles that are released by the e-cigarette’s heating coils can, according to Dr. Kalady, “put kids at risk for reactive airway disease, asthma and even emphysema.”.

What is a special report on e-cigarettes?

A special report published in the journal Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging highlights recent cases of lung injury attributable to e-cigarette use. Authors Suhny Abbara, M.D., and Fernando Uliana Kay, M.D., Ph.D., from the Department of Radiology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, aim to raise awareness among radiologists and other medical professionals on how to identify lung injury associated with e-cigarettes, or vaping.

How much does an e-cigarette cost in Texas?

E-cigarette starter kits cost around $8 or $9 in Texas. But then there are the costs of vape pods, e-liquid (or e-juice), coils, and other accessories. Average monthly costs can range from $50-$120. In 2018, the global vaping market was valued at $14 billion; that number is projected to double by 2022 as manufacturers continue to try to attract a youth audience with new flavors, devices, accessories, and a misleading message that vaping is a safe alternative to smoking cigarettes.

Is vaping harmful?

In addition, the human brain continues to develop until about age 25, and nicotine can harm that development – affecting parts of the brain that control learning, mood, and impulse control. Bottom line: Vaping is not safe.

Do e-cigarettes contain nicotine?

Some teens believe e-cigarettes contain only water and flavoring. Marketing messages have suggested as much. But share the research with your teen that proves e-cigarettes contain a nicotine solution. The Surgeon General’s website or the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute’s website is a good place to start. And emphasize that nicotine is addictive. If you’re an ex-smoker, describe how hard it was to quit because of that addiction to nicotine.

How many teens don't know about vaping?

Remember, almost 66% of teens don’t realize that vaping involves nicotine. or if they do know it, they don’t understand the dangers of it. So your mission is toeducate your teenager and help them see the dangers of vaping. Fortunately, there areplenty of resources available to you.

What is vaping and why is it bad for teens?

Vaping involves using a small device to heat a liquid. The heated liquid produces an aerosol, which is inhaled. The liquid usually contains nicotine and flavoring, which gives off a sweet smell.

What does vaping tongue mean?

Vaper’s Tongue. This is a term used to describe the loss of taste sensation that many teens who vape will experience. Your teen may complain that foods taste bland or start adding extra seasonings and spices to their meals.

How to get a vape out of your lungs?

Start by scheduling an appointment with your child’s doctor. They can give your teen a check-up to make sure their lungs have not been damaged as well as give them further information about vaping and the risks involved. Next, the two of you should call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or check outteen.smokefree.gov.

Why do teens get jittery when vaping?

Passing on caffeine.The effects of nicotine may make your teen jittery. Teens who normally rely on coffee or soda might start skipping it. Irritability. Nicotine affects brain chemistry, so your teen might get agitated more easily if they are vaping.

What are some examples of vaping devices?

Vaping involves heating up a liquid and there are some basic parts to most vaping devices. Some common things you might see include parts that look like USB drives, pens, unfamiliar chargers or batteries, cotton balls and metallic wires.

How do you know if you're smoking?

If you are looking for the classic signs of smoking, like a lingering odor on clothes or yellowed teeth or fingers, you won’t find them .The signs of vaping are more subtle, which is why it is important to be aware of them. Electronic cigarettes debuted in 2008, but in recent years, they have become much more popular with teenagers.

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.