The vape talk is a resource for parents to learn more about how to talk to teens about vaping and download a conversation guide. Not on tobacco (n-o-t) is the american lung association’s teen smoking cessation program and helps teens who want to quit, and provides the tools, information and support to quit for good. Intervention for nicotine dependence: education, prevention, tobacco and health (indepth) is an "out-of-the-box" alternative to suspension or citation that seeks to address the teen vaping problem in a more supportive way. Instead of exclusionary discipline, students participate in a series of interactive educational sessions focused on nicotine addiction, establishing healthy alternatives and making the change to be free of all nicotine and tobacco products.

Talking with your teen about vaping: A tip sheet for parents

The greatest tool parents have to keep their kids from vaping is open communication. Talk with your kids about the dangers of vaping and emphasize that we don’t yet know just how bad it might be. Make sure that they know e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which can have lasting effects on their brain and behavior. Remind them that their brains develop until early adulthood. The surgeon general offers a tip sheet for starting a conversation with your teen about e-cigarettes. Take advantage of teachable moments. You may find an opportunity to talk to your child about vaping when you see a character on tv vaping or someone vaping on the street while driving to school.

Before the Talk: Get the Facts

There is a widespread misconception among teens that vaping is safe. Many remain unaware that e-cigarettes contain nicotine, increase smoking risk, and can cause significant harm to the user. Do your own research so you have credibility when you talk with your child. Your teen will likely be more receptive if you can provide facts. You can help your teen better understand what nicotine is and the impact it has on a developing brain. Check out the cdc’s facts about e-cigarettes additionally, some parents may not even recognize a vaping product because they are designed to look like usb drives and other flashy electronic devices.

One of the best things a parent or adult can do is to talk to kids about substance use, including vaping. Building positive relationships and connections through open and non-judgemental conversations can help your child feel confident to ask you questions before they try any substance. When to start the conversation: the best time to have a conversation about vaping is when you’re ready and when it makes sense for you. Maybe you pass another teen vaping, or see something on the news, take the opportunity to have a conversation with your teen about it. What to say: explain the risks of vaping.

If you use tobacco, cannabis or vaping products, be honest with your teen about the risks, and any regrets, difficulties and health effects resulting from your experience. Talk with your teen about when and why you started to smoke/vape and explain how you thought it would make you feel, and how it is affecting your health. It is never too late to quit smoking. If you are vaping to help you quit smoking, talk with your teen about it. Talk with them about addiction and dependence and how hard it can be to quit smoking. And remember, quitting smoking is possible.

If you use tobacco or vaping products, be honest with your teen about the risks, and any regrets, difficulties and health effects resulting from your experience. Talk with your teen about when and why you started to smoke/vape and explain how you thought it would make you feel, and how it is affecting your health. It is never too late to quit smoking. If you are vaping to help you quit smoking, talk with your teen about it. Talk to them about addiction and how hard it can be to quit smoking. And remember, quitting smoking is possible. For free help, visit gosmokefree.