Tools for Parents to Stop Vaping at Home

Lots of kids are home from school right now, and families are living in close quarters. Parents and teens might be getting on each other’s nerves during social distancing protocols, but there is a silver lining: parents might be in a better position at the moment to curb worrying behavior like vaping that usually takes place at school.

Vaping has gained in popularity over the last few years among teens. It’s the latest nicotine vehicle and it’s not as safe as many kids think. If you think your teen might be vaping (or thinking about starting!), here are some facts and tips for helping them to kick the habit.

So What’s the Deal with Vaping?

As you may already know, vaping is a term for using a device, such as an electronic cigarette, to deliver nicotine in a vapor that can be inhaled. Because e-cigarettes do not constitute “smoking,” many teens feel that they are safer than traditional cigarettes. Vaping has become so popular among teens that it is now the most common way for young people to consume tobacco in the United States.

Unfortunately, research does not support the assumption that vaping is safe. Not only do e-cigarette pods deliver high levels of nicotine, which is addictive and can negatively affect developing brains, but they also contain a range of chemicals and can cause damage to the lungs.

Research on vaping is still developing. But one thing is clear: there are serious physical, mental, and emotional consequences of youth vaping. E-cigarette use among teens isn’t safe, period.

Consider Showcasing the Impact Vaping Has on Mental Health

Many people are mostly concerned about the physical dangers of vaping. But as a parent, you also need to understand the mental health impact of nicotine use and communicate those consequences to your teen.

Adults aren’t the only ones who suffer from mental illness. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, almost half of all adolescents will experience a mental disorder at some point. While there are many different factors affecting mental health, vaping can definitely have a negative impact on a teen’s mood and well-being.

It’s important for teens to realize just how addictive nicotine can be. Withdrawal can result in symptoms like sadness, feeling down, changes in appetite, and more. Peer pressure that often goes hand in hand with nicotine use can also have an impact on mental health.

Keep a Dialogue with Kids Open

It can be hard to talk to your kids about nicotine use, especially if you’re concerned they’re already vaping. With that said, it’s important to keep the dialogue going in a non-judgmental way so that you can answer their questions and see the issue from their point of view. It’s important to find out what their assumptions and feelings are about tobacco so you can help them make good choices.

Avoiding the topic of vaping is easier in the moment, but can have long-term consequences. It’s almost never too late to have honest conversations about vaping with your child, but it’s always better to open up the dialogue sooner rather than later.

If you have younger children, start the dialogue early. Being open about these topics and asking for your kids’ opinions will help to ensure that they have the information they need and allow them to feel heard. By initiating this dialogue early, your kids are likely to be less curious about vaping and other forms of nicotine use by the time they reach middle school and high school.

Make Support the Ultimate Goal

Kids (and especially teens!) don’t want to be told what to do. Remember that the more you crack down on them, the more they are likely to rebel. Difficult as it may be, try to make support your ultimate goal and resist the urge to step in and take charge. Your teen needs to make the decision to quit for themselves or they won’t be able to kick the habit for good.

Ultimately, your child wants to know that you care. Encouragement is much more effective than scolding in the long run. If you want to help your child quit vaping (or prevent them from starting), you need to be respectful and supportive. Do your research and make it clear that you’re always up for an honest, loving conversation—even if it’s hard.