What to look for if you suspect your child is Vaping or Smoking:
- Increased thirst or nosebleeds.
- Desire for flavor in foods.
- Change in appearance and/or behavior change.
- Increased acne.
- Cutting back on caffeine.
- Unusual Online purchases or packaging.
- Faint sweet scent of bubblegum or chocolate cake.
- Finding unfamiliar USB drives, battery chargers or spare parts.
- Use in vaping lingo on text messages or on social media.
What to say when your teen asks:
Q: Isn’t vaping safer than smoking cigarettes?
Exposure to toxic substances may be reduced, but there are still significant concerns when replacing smoking cigarettes with vaping. One’s lungs are exposed to fine particles, metals, other toxins and nicotine which are all harmful. You may use the example that “Driving 90 miles an hour with a seat belt on is safer than without one, but neither is safe.” The same goes for vaping. And as with all substance use, ask your child why they’re interested in vaping in the first place.
Q: Everyone is doing it, why do you care?
You can say, “I know you might think this because of what you see in school or on social media, but the fact is that the majority of teens are choosing not to vape. It might be popular among some kids, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe.
What parents can do to prevent vaping:
- Become familiar with vaping facts, equipment and the risks.
- Have conversations with your teens. Opportunities to discuss vaping can come up anytime. If you see someone vaping, see a picture on social media, or pass by a “Smoke Shop.” Ask your teen, “What do you think about vaping?” “Do you know anyone at school who vapes?” etc..
- Be a good role model.
Resources :
California Smoker’s Helpline is a free telephone-based quit Smoking program. , 1-800–NO-BUTTS
What You Need to Know And How to Talk With Your Kids About Vaping Handbook