Teens in Roanoke City are like any other teens.
Peer pressure and social media can have a lot of influence on teens, but parents can have even more.
Electronic cigarettes come in many different shapes and sizes (and names too). Teens today refer to smoking e-cigarettes as “Juuling” or “Vaping,” and contrary to what many think these pesky items are filled with more than just flavoring and water.
MOST e-cigarettes, do indeed, contain nicotine and there are major health consequences to using them in adolescent years.
What do E-cigarettes look like?
E-cigarettes and vape pens can sometimes be difficult to identify, learn what to look for.
Facts about vaping
Click to enlarge – learn the facts about e-cigarettes and vaping.
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So start talking.
Use these tips from the US Department of Health and Human Services to help you get started:
Find out what your child already knows
Ask simple questions like: What do you know about vaping? Have your friends mentioned it or do you know kids your age that vape? Do you know what negative things can happen when youth vape?
Teach your child the facts
Remind your child that the use of any nicotine products including e-cigarettes, is unsafe. Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical and can harm brain development, which continues to develop until the age of 25.
Give your child clear rules
Good rules make it clear to youth that it is not acceptable or safe for them to engage in ANY vaping activities. They also need to know that it is illegal to purchase, attempt to purchase or possess any tobacco products (including vapes) if they are under the age of 21.
Be prepared to answer your child's questions
Be honest because this topic can bring about serious questions, so know the facts about nicotine products use and the effects when talking to your child.
Talk with your child about how to say ``no``
Make sure your child knows you can be the excuse. Remind them 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!”
Helpful Links & Resources
The following links may help you navigate this process and remember parental involvement is key to reducing underage nicotine use