Vaping: What Parents Should Know
What Is Vaping?
Vaping is the inhaling of an aerosol (mist) created by an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette). It’s common among teens.
By learning about vaping, parents can:
- Talk to their kids about its health risks.
- Recognize if their child might be vaping.
- Get help for kids who are vaping.
How Do People Vape?
E-cigarettes (often called vape pens) are battery-operated vaping devices that heat a liquid until it becomes an aerosol (mist), which is inhaled. The aerosol is not just water vapor. It usually contains nicotine, other harmful chemicals, and flavorings. Even e-cigarettes that claim to have no nicotine have been found to contain nicotine. Some might contain marijuana, herbs, or oils.
Some e-cigarettes are disposable and designed for one-time use. When the liquid is used up or the battery dies, the user throws the device away. Others can be refilled with liquid, recharged, and used over and over. Some people buy pre-filled cartridges for the e-cigarette. Others buy a bottle of liquid and refill the e-cigarette as needed.
What Are the Health Risks of Vaping?
The health risks of vaping include:
- addiction: E-cigarettes contain nicotine, a drug that’s highly addictive. You don’t have to vape every day to get addicted.
- anxiety and depression: Nicotine makes anxiety and depression worse. It also affects memory, concentration, self-control, and attention, especially in developing brains.
- becoming a smoker: Young people who vape are more likely to start smoking regular (tobacco) cigarettes and may be more likely to develop other addictions in the future.
- impotence: There is some evidence that vaping can cause sexual dysfunction in men.
- sleep problems
- exposure to cancer-causing chemicals
- chronic bronchitis
- lung damage that can be life-threatening
Other health effects are possible that we don’t yet know about. Vaping hasn’t been around that long, so its health risks aren’t all known.
How Do I Know if My Child Is Vaping?
Start by asking your child in a nonjudgmental, concerned way if they have tried vaping. You want to encourage conversation, not shut it down. Even if you don’t think your kids vape, talk about it with them anyway so they know it’s unhealthy.
Signs of vaping include:
- new health issues such as coughing or wheezing
- e-cigarette supplies, like cartridges or other suspicious looking items
- new smells (some flavored e-cigarettes have been banned, but many remain on the market — so parents might notice fruity or sweet scents)
What Should I Do if My Child Vapes?
Your child will need your help and support to quit. Help them find the motivation to stop vaping. You might want to talk about:
- wanting to be the best, healthiest version of themselves
- not wanting to be addicted
- avoiding health effects including impotence and decreased sports performance
- not wanting to increase anxiety or depression
- saving money
- going against advertising that targets young people
Some people use vaping to curb their appetite, but there’s no proof that vaping helps with weight loss. If you think this is why your child vapes, talk to them about healthier ways to stay at a healthy weight or lose weight.
What Else Should I Know?
Lend your support as your teen tries to quit. Set a good example by taking care of your own health. Make your house smoke-free and vape-free. If you smoke or vape, make the commitment to quit. Keep all vaping supplies and refill materials in child-resistant packaging out of the reach of children. Nicotine can poison and even kill a child.
how do I talk to my kid if they are vaping?
Put Yourself In Your Child's Shoes
Consider your kid’s viewpoint. Imagine the obstacles, pressures and social environment before you address your concerns.
Remember what it was like when you were a kid. Make sure to relate to them. Remind them that you’re on their side. When empathy is expressed and good communication exists, kids take fewer risks
Take An Open And Calm Approach
As you talk to your child, avoid judgment or frustration. Kids may pick up on your tone and tune out or react defensively.
An open conversation will disarm the notion that this is a lecture. It will also provide a relaxed environment to discuss ideas without making them feel like they are being blamed or in trouble.
Find The Right Time And Place
Wait for the right opportunity to increase the chance that you are heard. Maybe you’re passing a vape shop, watching TV together or talking before your child goes to a concert with friends.
Pick a calm moment that is distraction free. Asking your child about vaping when it is already top of the mind gives you a non-confrontational way to learn about your child’s awareness, interest and involvement without defensiveness.
Acknowledge Your Child's Independence
Your children make good decisions every day. Abstaining from vaping could be one of them.
Thank them for their responsibility and appeal to their good judgment.
"I’m really proud that you make good decisions. I trust you. I’m here to help answer any questions you have about vaping."
Ask For Their Perspective
Hear their side of the story first. It’s good to know what they find appealing or unappealing about it. If they’re interested in trying it, ask why.
Ask them open-ended questions rather than yes or no questions. This will help them open up, be engaged and be less defensive.
"How do you feel about vaping?"
Be Ready To Hear That Your Child May Have Vaped And Why
A much higher percentage of kids have tried vaping than most parents recognize. There is a distinct possibility that your child has experimented with vaping.
Make sure to start by thanking them for being honest. This is key for continuing an open conversation and relationship of trust. Explain that your motivation is protecting and caring for them.
"I want you to know how much I appreciate your honesty. I’m concerned because I care about you and your health."
Blame Big Tobacco, Not Your Kid
Your child is the target of Big Tobacco advertising, devised to intentionally hook a young audience on nicotine, and make them customers for life. The same companies who funded and promoted cancer-causing cigarettes are the same ones behind many vape products.
Remind your kid that you are both on the same side when it comes to Big Tobacco.
"Do you know why e-cigarettes come in fruity flavors? They were intentionally created to hook kids."
Avoid Scare Tactics
It’s good to share your concerns, but don’t make the mistake of losing your child’s attention with dramatic claims.
Equating vaping with other temptations or illegal drugs actually reduces your credibility and chances of connecting with them.
"I know that trying it once won’t kill you, but vaping is harmful to your lungs, your body and it’s addictive. Why take the risk?"
Say Thank You
Let your child know that you appreciate them for listening, for their honesty and for continuing to make the right decisions.
Ending the conversation on a note of trust will make it easier for them to talk to you when they have questions or need advice.
"I appreciate you for handling this so maturely. I know this stuff can be scary or confusing. I just want to help you make safe and informed decisions."
Follow Up
This isn’t a one-time conversation. Even if everything goes well, over time there will be new curiosities, product developments and research findings.
Make sure to leave lines of communication open. Fact sharing is a great way to reintroduce the conversation topic.
"I know it’s a lot to take in all at once. If you have any questions or want to talk more about this later, I’m always here for you."
If your teen needs support in quitting
My Life My Quit is a free and confidential program for Montana Teens to help them in their quitting journey. Help them sign up here: