what should i do if my teenager is vaping

• Experts advise parents who discover their teen is vaping to react in a calm and measured manner. ...
• While there should be consequences for certain behaviors, the delivery of these consequences needs to come from a calm, rational place.
• Work with your teen to assess whether or not they have a nicotine addiction, and have an open discussion about getting them the help they need.

Full Answer

Why teens shouldn't vape?

The Top Three Reasons Teens Should Stop Vaping

• Lung Illness. Hundreds of teens have been hospitalized due to vaping related lung illnesses. The Chicago Tribune covered...
• Bad Devices. With the rising popularity of vaping, many counterfeited devices have entered the market. Vaping black...
• Death. The Center for Disease Control reported vaping related deaths have been...

How to help your teen quit vaping?

Offer your own suggestions as well:

• Know your reasons. Ask your teen to think about why he or she wants to stop smoking. ...
• Set a quit date. Help your teen choose a date to stop smoking.
• Avoid temptation. Encourage your teen to avoid people, places and activities that he or she links with smoking.
• Be prepared for cravings. ...
• Consider stop-smoking products. ...
• Seek support. ...

How is vaping bad for teens?

Why vaping is so dangerous for teens

• Teen vaping was a ‘predictable problem’. Experts say that one Juul pod – a cartridge of nicotine-rich liquid that users plug into the dominant e-cig brand – contains the same ...
• Teens’ brains might be more vulnerable to nicotine. ...
• It’s hard to get kids to quit. ...

Why do so many teens vape?

When it comes to why teens themselves say they vape, many of their reasons have a social connection. In the 2019 National Youth Tobacco Survey, middle and high school students named their top reasons for trying e-cigarettes as: “They see a friend or family member vaping, and they want to try it,” Richter says.

How do I stop vaping?

Do teens want to talk to their parents about vaping?

Is vaping a trend?

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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.

What punishment should I give my kid 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 do you say to your teenager when 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 happens to teenagers when they vape?

Using nicotine in adolescence can harm the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control. Each time a new memory is created or a new skill is learned, stronger connections – or synapses – are built between brain cells. Young people's brains build synapses faster than adult brains.

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 stop vaping?

As a friend or family member of a smoker or vaper, you can call 1-800-QUIT-NOW to get information and tips on how to help others quit smoking or vaping. Offer lots of encouragement. Let him or her know that you're proud of their effort. Instead of offering advice, ask how you can help.

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.

How can you tell if your house is vaping?

Signs a person is vapingA sweet scent in the air. ... Unfamiliar pens and USB drives. ... Drinking more water. ... Nosebleeds. ... Smoker's cough or mouth sores. ... New batteries and chargers. ... Discarded vaping pods and devices.

Why do kids want to vape?

Young people start smoking or vaping for a variety of reasons; peer pressure, the belief that it relieves stress or looks cool, to lose or control weight, easy access, and role models or family members who use tobacco.

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 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.

How much vaping is too much?

Even today, many high-profile sources list the toxic dose of nicotine (the LD50 – or the dose that will kill about half of people exposed) as between 30 and 60 mg. To put this in context of vaping, this would be about 4 ml of 12 mg/ml e-liquid. d.

What to do when you find out your 12 year old is vaping?

Start by asking your child in a nonjudgmental, concerned way if they have tried vaping. You want to encourage conversation, not shut it down. Even if you don't think your kids vape, talk about it with them anyway so they know it's unhealthy.

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 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.

Should I let my child 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 punishment should I give to my 13-year old son for vaping?

Answer (1 of 54): I would not suggest a punishment, per se. My approach was more one of education. “Okay, here’s what’s happening.” I’d say and lay it all out. I’d ask if it was true, why they did it (and I’d actively listen), then ask what they thought I should do. If they felt I should apply co...

You caught your teen vaping. Now what? - Providence

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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.

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.

What is Smokefree Teen?

Smokefree Teen is another resource with apps and texting options teens can access at any time.

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.”

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.

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.

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 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.

How to help a teenager with nicotine addiction?

You can help your teenager seek out resources to learn more like talking to a free counselor at 1-800-QUIT-NOW, or online chat rooms at waytoquit.org . As teenagers learn more about their behavior, they can understand how to move forward in life without nicotine products.

How to hide vapor smell?

Frequently going outside or using the restroom. Teenagers may attempt to conceal the smell and sight of vapor by retreating to the bathroom or going outside to inhale a puff of vapor. They may use the bathroom fan for added ventilation.

Why does vaping dry out my mouth?

This might be caused, in part, due to the added stress vaping places on a vaper’s lungs. Excessive drinking. Vaping may dry out a vaper’s mouth, and your teenager may address this by more frequently drinking water and other liquids. Frequently going outside or using the restroom.

How long does it take for a vape to feel nauseous?

Nausea and vomiting. Vapers experiencing lung injury may feel nauseous, abdominal pain, or have diarrhea. These symptoms may develop within a few days or they may take weeks to develop.

What are the effects of smoking e-cigarettes?

E-cigarette vapor can also contain ultrafine particles along with heavy metals like nickel, tin, and lead. These chemicals impact mental and physical health. Nicotine is not only addictive but can harm teenagers' hearts, lungs and brain development, while impacting learning, memory and attention.

What percentage of high schoolers use e-cigarettes?

The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) is growing in popularity, particularly among teenagers. The National Youth Tobacco Survey estimate that 27.5 percent of high school students in 2019 have used e-cigarettes, up from just 1.5 percent of high school students in 2011.

How many middle schoolers use e-cigarettes?

Teenagers in middle school are also vaping in growing numbers. The same survey estimated that 10.5 percent of 2019 middle schoolers have used e-cigarettes. Teenagers may mistakenly believe that vaping is safe.

What can parents do about vaping?

What Parents Can Do About Teen Vaping. Parents can take steps to help prevent their kids from vaping health risks. In particular, communication between parents and teens is key in supporting good choices and positive coping mechanisms. Here are some ways to protect teens from the dangers of vaping.

How to tell if a teen is vaping?

What Parents Can Do About Teen Vaping 1 Watch for warning signs. Because e-cigarettes do not have an odor, it’s harder to tell when teens are using them. However, there are other signs to watch for, including bloodshot eyes, increased thirst, nosebleeds, and cough. 2 Ask open-ended questions. Avoid yes/no questions when talking with teens about vaping. Ask them what they’ve heard about vaping and what their peers think about it. Approach the conversation with caring and curiosity, not judgment. If a teen admits to vaping, react with compassion. 3 Let them know about the dangers. Make sure that teens understand the potential long-term consequences of vaping. 4 Set a good example. If parents don’t want their teens to vape or smoke, they shouldn’t do so either. Teens will have a hard time believing that vaping is dangerous if they see adults doing it. 5 Get them the help they need. If a teen wants to stop vaping, make sure they receive access to professional help for breaking the habit and dealing with the physical and emotional symptoms of withdrawal.

What Is Vaping?

Vaping refers to the act of inhaling and exhaling the aerosol, or vapor, created by a vaping device. A vaping device includes a mouthpiece, a battery, a heating component, and a cartridge that contains the e-liquid or e-juice. The e-liquid is a combination of nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. Vaping devices can also be used to vaporize THC, the psychoactive chemical in marijuana, by replacing e-liquids with cannabis-infused oils.

What are the chemicals in vape juice?

Along with nicotine, vaping liquids contain additives such as propylene glycol and glycerol. These toxic chemicals have been linked to cancer, respiratory disease, and heart disease. Scientists have also found that diacetyl, a chemical used to flavor some vape juice, may cause a condition called “popcorn lung,” the scarring and obstruction of the lungs’ smallest airways. In addition, a study found that some common chemicals used to flavor vape juice could damage endothelial cells. These are the cells that line blood vessels and lymph vessels.

What is the purpose of a vape battery?

The battery in a vaping device powers the heating component, which heats up the e-liquid , also known as vape juice . As a result, the device produces water vapor. Users inhale this vapor into their lungs.

How much has vaping increased in high school?

According to the most recent Monitoring the Future study, use of vaping nicotine has nearly doubled among high school seniors, increasing from 11 percent in 2017 to 20.9 percent in 2018. Vaping has also significantly increased among eighth and 10th graders.

How many deaths from vaping?

Most recently, a vaping-related health crisis has resulted in hundreds of respiratory illnesses across the United States and at least six deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

How do you know if your child is vaping?

Symptoms such as headaches, irritability, behavioral issues, mood changes, anxiety and depression are all common, and the onset can happen virtually overnight. Often, these are the first signs parents have that their child is vaping.

Why do teens become dependent on nicotine?

The fact is that teens are especially vulnerable to becoming dependent on nicotine, even after just a few weeks, because their brains are still developing and they are consuming elevated amounts of the drug.

What is Connect 5 for teens?

In addition to general education, the CONNECT 5 teen platform is designed like a streaming style interface, where teens can browse through different series and episodes on how to make a positive impact on their health by quitting the use of nicotine products.

Is it too late to quit smoking?

If you use tobacco products, it’s never too late to quit. Talk to a healthcare professional about quitting all forms of tobacco product use. For free help, visit https://smokefree.gov/ or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW . Adopt tobacco-free family rules, including the use of vaping products.

Is it hard to quit vaping?

It’s important to understand that it can be as difficult to quit vaping as it is to quit smoking, perhaps even harder. Many teens often don’t realize the amount of nicotine they are ingesting. One Juul pod, for example, is the equivalent of a full pack of cigarettes.

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.

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.

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 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.

Is Juuling bad for teens?

Be prepared to hear that JUULing isn ’t a big deal. “Many teens know cigarettes are bad for you but think vaping is inconsequential ,” Dr. Schroeder says. Many teens don’t realize, for example, that all JUUL pods contain nicotine—as much as a pack of cigarettes.

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.

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.

Why is social media a driver behind vaping?

Social media is a driver behind teens vaping because they see their friends and social media influencers doing it on their social networking pages.

What to do if your child is caught vaping?

If your child is caught vaping or admits to vaping, try to stay calm and non-judgmental. Listen, don’t lecture.

How to encourage someone to vape?

Say things like, “Tell me more about what led you to vape.” and “What are some of the reasons?” Let them know you are concerned about their vape use becoming more frequent, but try to encourage them to keep talking by asking open-ended, non-judgmental questions.

How to help a child with a phobia?

Invite your child to talk, be patient and ready to listen. 1 Try to understand their feelings. 2 Avoid showing judgment. 3 Keep asking questions and check to make sure you understand.

Is vaping water vapor?

Many youth who vape believe that what they’re using is just harmless water vapor. In order to understand what they’re using and what they’re going through, it’s important to get informed about vaping before you discuss it.

Do vapes contain nicotine?

Most vapes contain nicotine. Many even say “nicotine free” on the label. Most teens start out thinking they can stop whenever they want and won’t ever become addicted. And lots more start smoking cigarettes, a product that kills half its users. In fact, a teen who vapes is four times more likely to start smoking.

Can vaping cause memory issues?

On top of that, teens who vape nicotine or THC from marijuana may have trouble learning and memory issues. And the chemicals used to create vape flavorings can damage the lungs, heart, and immune system, whether or not nicotine is present.1.

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.