appropriate punishment for teenage vaping

Cigarette smoking and vaping devices have become a trend for the young generation, and most parents are having a hard time dealing with this issue. While vaping devices have alleviated some of the problems related to nicotine consumption, most people are not aware of how harmful e-cigarettes really are.

Teen nicotine addiction can have unfavorable effects on your teen’s health by creating an aerosol that they inhale. Being dependent on illicit substances causes negative consequences that may be experienced in later life. In this article, you will understand the facts about vaping, its health risks, its consequences on students, the appropriate punishment for vaping, and the symptoms of its use.

Facts About Vaping: Myths, Effects, and Risks

Vaping is the inhalation of vapor through an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or other vaping devices that are battery-powered and portable. They come in different colors and shapes but are usually pen-like devices.

Some people associate vaping with smoking and use these terms interchangeably. However, they are two different things. They have distinct features as well as chemical compositions. In any case, both can be harmful to one’s health.

Vaping vs. Smoking

Vaping involves an e-cigarette that produces smoke by vaporizing different liquids, called “juices.” They have cartridges that contain liquid flavorings and other substances, such as nicotine. These liquids are vaporized and then inhaled. Some vape juice flavors include mint, strawberry, cotton candy, chocolate, coffee, and more.

On the other hand, smoking is usually associated with cigarettes that contain tobacco rolled inside a thin paper. Both e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes have adverse effects on a person’s health, especially on the respiratory system. 

Debunking the Myths About Vaping

Disinformation is always a problem, especially when it comes to trendy stuff and its effects on one’s health. Some people are trying to make e-cigarettes appear beneficial in order to boost their sales. Listed below are some myths surrounding vapes, along with the truths to debunk them.

  • Myth #1: Vaping is safe.
    The most common misconception is that vaping does not have detrimental effects on someone’s health. The liquids in most e-cigarettes can contain nicotine or even marijuana.
  • Myth #2: Teens are allowed to vape.
    Like cigarettes, underage teens are not allowed to vape in public places. Furthermore, parents should prevent their children from vaping to avoid severe health problems in the long run. Vaping teens are more likely to develop an addiction to tobacco products.
  • Myth #3: Vaping reduces nicotine addiction and helps a person quit cigarettes.
    E-cigarettes may contain nicotine, so it only encourages smokers to switch to another product while still being dependent on nicotine.
  • Myth #4: Vaping is not expensive.
    Switching to e-cigarettes is generally cheaper than actual cigarettes. A smoker who consumes at least ten cigarettes a day can save a considerable amount of money. However, that does not mean that vaping devices are cheap. Most vapers want “cool” designs and styles, which are generally more expensive than purchasing packs of cigarettes.

Is Your Teen in Trouble for Vaping?

Vaping does not only pose health risks to teens, but it can also be punishable by law. When it comes to the use of e-cigarettes, the most common question that comes to mind is, “Is vaping legal?”

In the United States, the use and sale of e-cigarettes to adults are allowed. In 2016, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) implemented the regulation of e-cigarettes as tobacco products. However, the FDA prohibits the sale of vapes to minors. California is one of the few states that banned the use and sale of flavored e-cigarettes and menthol cigarettes in 2020.

However, as of March 2021, at least 15 American states allow vaping while upholding the law for smoke-free indoors, including California. Different localities and communities in California impose different restrictions on the use of e-cigarettes. The entire state prohibits the use of e-cigarettes in workplaces, hospitals, daycare facilities, food facilities, Farmers’ Market (within 25 feet), cars (with minors), public transportation, and school playgrounds.

The legal age for vaping in the US is 21 years old. Anyone under that age that gets caught vaping, especially in public places, might be punished by law and face legal consequences.

Many parents suspect that their teen has been vaping, but they don’t have proof. If you believe that your teen is vaping, Our article How to tell if your teen is vaping will help you find all the answers.

Symptoms of Vaping in Teens

  • Behavioral changes, such as your teen being suddenly irritable, might be a sign of vaping addiction.
  • They might also withdraw from social groups or family and lock themselves up inside their rooms.
  • Your teen’s school may call you due to their declining academic performance or poor attendance.
  • If your teen is vaping, you may also notice tangible signs, such as seeing unfamiliar objects inside their school bags and bedrooms or their clothes smelling sweet.
  • Their overall health will be affected by e-cigarettes. Your teen may experience dry coughing and mouth sores.
  • In the worst scenario, a teen who consumes multiple e-cigarettes every day may develop lung scarring and inflammation.
  • Furthermore, excessive amounts of nicotine or marijuana can lead to memory loss at an older age. 

What Happens if Your Teen Is Caught Vaping?

There are penalties for underage teenagers who vape. While possession of e-cigarettes and other vaping devices is not punishable by law, the use of such devices has legal consequences as per the Section 22950.5(d) in certain places where smoking is also not permitted. For instance:

And still, if your teen vapes for the first offense, then they must pay a penalty of at least $100. For the second offense, fees go up to $500, then $2500 for the third offense. They are also required to attend lessons on the health risks of vaping and render community services. Teens 17 and below may be sent to juvenile hall for repeated behaviors. Likewise, the duration of jail time (i.e., the teen’s time in the juvenile hall) will depend on their age and the severity of the violation.

Ways to Punish Your Teen for Vaping

Now that you are aware of the hazards brought by e-cigarettes, you have every right to punish your teen for vaping. It does not matter if they are only using it for recreational purposes. Vaping is still addictive and damaging. Some ways to punish your child are scolding and grounding them. 

Vaping at Home

  • You can set some house rules to deter your child from vaping.
  • These can include picking them up from school to limit their independence, not allowing them to go outside on their own, and setting curfew hours for going to bed.
  • These will help you monitor their behavior and prevent them from smoking e-cigarettes inside and outside your house.

Vaping Within School Premises

Punishments for vaping in school, conversely, depend on the rules and regulations set by the institution. And the reason why they are put in place is to ensure the well-being and safety of students. Most kids use vape pens because they cannot be easily recognized as e-cigarettes. But still, there are various disciplinary actions, school vaping policies, and legal consequences of vaping that you as a parent must take a closer look at:

Zero Tolerance Rule

  • What does “zero tolerance” mean, you may ask? Simply put, it’s a strict rule which many schools have adopted.
  • In this case, it means that any form of vaping is completely prohibited on school grounds.
  • This includes e-cigarettes and any similar devices. Why such a strict rule?
  • The goal is to establish a smoke-free environment and to prevent students (teens) from engaging in this detrimental activity that could harm their health.

Penalties for First-Time Offenses

  • Schools take a balanced approach (they have a range of disciplinary actions) when a student is caught with vape for the first time.
  • It’s not straight to suspension. They usually start with a talk (verbal warnings), discussions with a counselor, and provide some real talk (educational program) about vaping’s risks.
  • If needed, a short suspension might come into play. The endgame? To educate and discourage repeat vaping.

More Rigid Punishment for Repeated Offenses

  • When students don’t learn their lesson after the first vaping offense and often repeat the same things, severe consequences can take place.
  • We’re discussing suspensions, mandatory counseling sessions, or expulsion.
  • It’s not just about punishment, though; it’s about making sure students understand the seriousness of this offense, helping them make smarter, healthier choices.

In School Suspension

  • In more severe cases, it’s clear that a firmer hand is needed. That’s where in-school suspension steps in.
  • Think of it as a serious pause button. The student is pulled from their regular classes and placed in a designated area within the school premises.
  • It’s not just a ‘sit in the corner’. Sure, they’re away from their peers, but it’s more about giving them a moment to really brood about their behaviour.
  • They’re still in the loop academically, and school staff keeps a close eye on them.

Expulsion

  • It’s as serious as it gets (for repeating severe violations due to vaping) – a student waving goodbye to the school permanently (facing expulsion).
  • But mind you, it’s not something schools do on a whim.
  • There’s a thorough investigation by high school authorities where a formal sit down (hearing) takes place, which involves students, parents, and school officials.

Criminal Charges

  • Under certain circumstances, the legal repercussions of vaping at schools can surge beyond just fines, which ultimately results in criminal charges.
  • This permanent mark has its own long-lasting implications on students, for example –
    Jeopardizing future career options, educational access, and personal connections.
  • In a nutshell, students must recognize the critical nature of vaping and its situation that has a lasting impact on their lives.

Impact on College Applications

  • Last but not least, a substantial consequence of getting caught vaping at school is the impact on college applications.
  • You see, many universities and colleges conduct a detailed background check of prospective students, paying close attention to their disciplinary records (check if there’s any legal issue).
  • For some reason, if there’s any sort of vaping incident in their record, it could hinder their chances of gaining admission to the colleges they aspire to attend.
  • It is, therefore, imperative for students to be aware of and consider these potential consequences.

Health Risks and Dangers of Vaping

Although e-cigarettes are not as harmful as other tobacco products, they contain numerous chemicals such as nicotine, formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde. They pose health risks and may cause chronic lung injuries and cardiovascular or heart ailments. Furthermore, people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are likely to suffer severe consequences when vaping.

Although e-cigarettes are not as harmful as other tobacco products, they contain numerous chemicals such as nicotine, formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde. They pose health risks and may cause chronic lung injuries and cardiovascular or heart ailments. Furthermore, people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are likely to suffer severe consequences when 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. As a parent, you must know how to talk to your kid about vaping, Read the article and prepare yourself for the talk, before the talk.

Vaping also causes damage to the central nervous system (CNS). The dangerous substances in e-cigarettes can affect the brain’s overall functioning, making someone lose coordination and concentration. These may also affect the nerves, leading to muscle spasms and tremors.

Loss of proper judgment and decision-making abilities might lead to aggressive and risky behaviors. A teen might get involved in fistfights, road rage, or accidents. 

Lastly, teens who vape are more likely to develop smoking or drug addiction habits when they grow older. E-cigarettes that contain nicotine develop one’s dependence on drugs, making them “hooked.” Not being able to inhale something makes them experience withdrawal symptoms. This will end up increasing their tolerance to other illicit substances such as marijuana, cocaine, and heroin. Also, learning about how to stop cocaine addiction on your own for teen might be necessary.

How Can You Discipline Your Vaping Teen?

Here are some practical methods to discipline your teen and get teenagers to stop vaping:

Communicate

  • Talk to them sincerely. While they must understand what will happen if they are caught vaping, you should also try to understand their reasons.
  • Also, spill some key starter facts (related to the effects of vaping on their health, like chronic bronchitis, swelling of the lungs, and exacerbation of asthma) that you think will grab your teen’s attention.

Desire for Independent Thinking

  • As a parent, it’s imperative to make your child aware of how the vaping industry employs aggressive marketing to influence young individuals like them.
  • Clarify that these tactics are designed to foster dependency for financial gain. Inspire them to assert their independence and prioritize their health.

Improve your parent-child relationship

  • Some teenage behaviors are caused by issues that they have difficulty talking about.
  • Encourage your teens to talk to you, rather than resort to rebellious actions such as using e-cigarettes or consuming alcoholic drinks.

Be More Present

  • Vaping’s tricky; it doesn’t leave behind that strong scent that smoking does.
  • Being present in your child’s life is crucial.
  • Make it your business to know their routines, their likes, dislikes, and their circle of friends.
  • The more you’re involved, the easier it’ll be for you to spot any unusual e-liquid usage.

Bribe them, if necessary

  • If your teen loves receiving gifts, you may offer them rewards for choosing to minimize or quit the use of e-cigarettes.
  • In this way, they are encouraged to make healthier decisions.

Not all punishments are equal

  • Punishment for vaping in school might be a lot different from punishment for using marijuana.
  • Although both actions are wrong, your teen must understand the severity of each situation.

Offer them support

  • Always express your love and support to help your teen quit vaping.

So, if your teen’s vaping behavior is beyond your control, you can always reach out to us and seek professional help. Our adolescent mental health residential treatment centers offer an extremely high level of care. We are ready to help your teen quit vaping. All of our teen addiction treatment programs include teen counseling, family therapy and teenage life skills support.