how to talk to your kid about vaping

How To Talk To Your Kid About Vaping

In a recent report by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in December 2018, there was a “dramatic increase” in the use of vaping or electronic cigarettes among teens in America, with an alarming record of 37.3% of high school seniors had vaped in the previous year.

Vaping or Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are battery-operated smoking devices that people use to inhale vapor or aerosol. They have cartridges that hold a liquid that usually contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. When the liquid is heated, it becomes vapor, which the user inhales. E-cigarettes or vaping devices can look like classic tobacco cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or even ordinary goods like pens or USB memory sticks.

Vaping Among Teens

The use of vaping is becoming widespread among teens in the United States. It is now the most common way nicotine is used, with or without the users’ awareness. Some studies reveal that teens are drawn to vaping devices because they do not contain nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance. They incorrectly believe that the pods only contain flavorings and other non-harmful chemicals. These devices are also used to lessen their stress or feelings of depression.
The different liquid flavors, the various designs and forms, the tempting advertisements, the peer pressure, and the misconception that they are much safer than cigarettes are some reasons why they have such a wide acceptance among young teens.
Vaping devices are easy to hide from the eyes of parents and teachers. Aside from the fact that they do not leave a stench like tobacco or cigarettes, they can be disguised as flash drives, pens, and other daily items.
As of February 18, 2020, the CDC reported 2,807 hospitalized e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury cases or deaths from all 50 states. These statistics are expected to increase yearly if no preventive measures are taken.
How to Talk to Your Kid About Vaping/E-Cigarettes – Ask The Experts
It is common to be alarmed when realizing that one’s child is vaping. However, a parent’s reactions could have a significant impact on a child’s behavior.
So, how do you prevent your teen from using vape devices or convince them to stop using them? Doing the proper research would be a great start.

Prepare yourself for the talk (before the talk).

You need to be prepared before talking to your child. This might be a very delicate topic for both of you. It can be the start of a huge argument within the family, so you need to be equipped with enough information to formulate healthy responses and decisions.

Read studies and do research

It is essential to have in mind trustworthy and credible information when you talk. You cannot respond emotionally and without backing up with facts. Remember that most teens have misconceptions about vaping, so raise awareness.
Facts are important. You can describe the destructive effects and addictive side of using electronic cigarettes. They could also be gateway drugs to alcohol, heroin, and other harmful substances.
The conversation should be handled with care for it to be effective. It is vital to be prepared mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Set a positive example by being tobacco-free.

You are the biggest influence in your child’s life. Growing up, they tend to look up to you and imitate what you usually do.
So, if your child lives in a home where using tobacco or cigarettes is normal, sooner or later, they might follow in your footsteps.
It is ideal to be completely tobacco-free. If you don’t lead by example, you might risk being called a hypocrite by your child.

When and where to start the conversation.

Now you have read enough and are prepared to raise your concerns, but you might not be sure about when and where to start the conversation. In the following section, we’ll address how to determine the best time to talk.

Best scenarios to start the conversations.

First, you need to make the conversation feel as natural as possible. Find a way to reduce the tension and awkwardness between you and your child. The more natural the conversation, the higher chance that you will convince your child. Here are some scenarios to consider:
  • While watching TV and there is a commercial about vaping.
  • When you are heading to school and see a billboard about electronic cigarettes.
  • When you see someone vaping in the park.
  • By showing them videos about vaping that you came across while browsing the internet
Avoid the typical “we need to talk” scenarios, which will only create tension for your child.

Seek additional support.

If you are unsure where to begin, it is best to let a health professional help you. They can provide you information about the risk of e-cigarettes and what treatment your child needs if they are struggling with addiction. Look into different teen treatment programs in Los Angeles and around your area.

You might also want to seek support from other trusted individuals, like relatives, teachers, and counselors. Remember that reinforcing your message is vital to help your kid.

General questions asked by teenagers

When you talk to your child, they are bound to ask you questions. It is crucial to answering them to satiate their curiosity and convey your message effectively. That is why we strongly recommend that you research as much as you can about e-cigarettes.

Why should teens say NO to Vaping or E-cigarettes?

  • Vaping liquids often have nicotine and other substances that are addictive and harmful. 
  • Teens are very young, and their brain is still maturing. Nicotine is addictive and can have a negative effect on their development. 
  • E-cigarettes can lead teens to use other substances, like drugs and alcohol, which are severely unhealthy.
  • A study revealed that vaping, just like smoking cigarettes, could cause lung diseases. It damages the teen’s immune system and can make them sick.

"What is the big deal about nicotine? My friends are using it too."

  • Early use of nicotine leads to a high chance of addiction.
  • As a teen, their brain is still developing. It matures until they are 25 years old. Nicotine use can harm the most vital organ. 
  • Nicotine can affect their learning, attention, mood, and impulses. You want them to have a beautiful future. 
  • According to a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 99% of e-cigarettes sold in the market contain nicotine.

"I have tried them. They are not a big deal."

  • Appreciate their honesty, but let them know that several studies suggest that nicotine, one of the most prevalent substances of e-cigarettes, is addictive and can harm their body.
  • Aside from the negative effects of e-cigarettes, it is costly. Consider making a bank account to save money for something they want instead of spending it on vaping.
  • Ask if they are willing to learn more about the matter by talking to health professionals together with you.

Help your teen, by all means, as soon as possible.

If things are serious and your teens are at the peak of the experimenting stage, connect them to the right places, so they can quit vaping or using other substances.
After trying it, abstinence from using any substance is a challenge, so finding help from experts is instrumental to achieving a life free from addiction. Let your teen know that you are ready and will support them every step of the way.
Sitting and having a conversation with your child is essential. It is one of the best things you can do to help them stay away from nicotine or any common teen drug addiction. Quitting is difficult. It is best not to start using it at all. Get the preventive measures your child needs.
Visit our website to find out more regarding how to prevent e-cigarette use and drug addiction. Get the best treatment your child deserves, all here at Key Healthcare.