Learning About How to Talk With Your Child or Teen About Vaping
Many children and teens may want to try vaping. They may think it will help them fit in. Or they may wonder how vapes taste or will make them feel. They may not know that vaping can harm them.
Vape products may have flavours that appeal to young people.
Vaping devices are easy to hide from adults and easy to use.
Why quit?
Vaping can cause serious lung injury. The vapour contains harmful chemicals that can damage your lungs.
Vaping products often have nicotine. Nicotine is addictive, and it can be hard to stop using it. It can be harmful to kids' and teens' developing brains.
How can you talk with your child or teen about vaping?
Starting to talk with your child about vaping can be as simple as asking, "What do kids at school say about vaping?" These tips can help you have a healthy, open, and ongoing discussion with your child.
Find the right time and place to talk. Talk when everyone is calm. You'll both be more willing to be open and honest.
Have a chat, not a lecture. Find ways to have a casual conversation. You want your child to feel comfortable being honest with you.
Ask, then listen. Ask what your child thinks about vaping. Listen carefully to their answers.
Help your child sort through the information they get. What teens hear about vaping from friends or ads may not be right. Share what you've learned.
Discuss the health effects of vaping. Your child should know that nicotine is addictive and harmful. And vaping can make it hard to breathe.
Talk about other problems with vaping. Vaping costs a lot of money. It may seem small, but costs add up.
Current as of: November 15, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
