Start the talk about vaping.
Peer pressure and social media can have a lot of influence on teens, but parents can have even more.
Electronic cigarettes have many shapes, sizes, and names. Teens often refer to smoking e-cigarettes as “vaping,” and these vapes are filled with more than just flavoring and water. Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, and there are major health consequences to using them in adolescent years.
Let's start talking.
Use these tips from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to help you get started:
Find out what your child already knows
What is vaping? Have you seen it happen around you? Have you participated in vaping?
Teach your child the facts
Remind your child that alcohol is a powerful drug that slows the body and brain down and alcohol is illegal for anyone under the age of 21.
Give your child clear rules
Good rules make it clear to youth that it is not acceptable or safe for them to participate in ANY vaping activities when they are under the age of 21. Let them know the consequences if they do.
Be prepared to answer your child's questions
Be honest, because this topic can bring about serious questions. Know the facts about vaping and how it effects the developing brain.
Talk with your child about how to say ``no``
Make sure your child knows you can be the excuse. Remind them that they can say, “My mom will know if I do this! She has a 6th sense about these things, and she would call your mom if she finds out. So no thanks, I don’t want any of us getting into trouble!”