The word “epidemic” is sometimes used to describe teen vaping. You have to wonder, does using electronic cigarettes – commonly called e-cigs or vapes – really qualify as an epidemic among teens? And if so, what can parents do about it?
Consider a few facts about vaping:
Vapes are the most commonly used tobacco products among teens. About 10% of middle schoolers and 25% of high schoolers use vapes, and the numbers have been growing at an alarming rate.
Vaping is marketed as being harmless to young people, but it is not. Most vapes contain addictive nicotine, plus more than 30 harmful chemicals, and dangerous heavy metals. Vape makers add flavorings to vape pods to make them more appealing and these chemicals have been linked to lung disease.
Nicotine is very addictive and can harm adolescent brain development, especially the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control.
Even though the term “vapor” is used, vapes do not produce water vapor. They produce an aerosol mist that contains ultra-fine particles that are breathed into the lungs. These particles can damage the lungs and make them more vulnerable to illness, including coronavirus.
Many vapes are designed to look like a USB flash drive and can be easily hidden in a purse or backpack.
Adolescence is “prime time” to start smoking or vaping. Parents can help teens and tweens avoid starting so they don’t have to battle quitting later. It’s okay to talk about smoking and vaping with your kids over time, in bits and pieces as you have the opportunity.
When you consider the facts, it may not matter whether vaping is an epidemic. Vaping is popular, dangerous, and illegal for teens (in some states), which means you need to be informed and know how to talk your kids to keep them safe.
Like a lot of tricky topics you deal with as a parent of teens, vaping is a subject you’ll probably have to bring up more than once. Don’t get discouraged if your teen doesn’t want to talk about the dangers of vaping. Keep looking for opportunities to discuss the subject and stay engaged. Unlike cigarettes, vaping does not leave an odor. So stay connected and remind him that you care about him and his health.
Reposted from Get Parenting Tips. https://bit.ly/3bvSIPc
Teens and Vaping
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Last Updated: April 18, 2021 by drmoea
The word “epidemic” is sometimes used to describe teen vaping. You have to wonder, does using electronic cigarettes – commonly called e-cigs or vapes – really qualify as an epidemic among teens? And if so, what can parents do about it?
Consider a few facts about vaping:
Vapes are the most commonly used tobacco products among teens. About 10% of middle schoolers and 25% of high schoolers use vapes, and the numbers have been growing at an alarming rate.
Vaping is marketed as being harmless to young people, but it is not. Most vapes contain addictive nicotine, plus more than 30 harmful chemicals, and dangerous heavy metals. Vape makers add flavorings to vape pods to make them more appealing and these chemicals have been linked to lung disease.
Nicotine is very addictive and can harm adolescent brain development, especially the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control.
Even though the term “vapor” is used, vapes do not produce water vapor. They produce an aerosol mist that contains ultra-fine particles that are breathed into the lungs. These particles can damage the lungs and make them more vulnerable to illness, including coronavirus.
Many vapes are designed to look like a USB flash drive and can be easily hidden in a purse or backpack.
Adolescence is “prime time” to start smoking or vaping. Parents can help teens and tweens avoid starting so they don’t have to battle quitting later. It’s okay to talk about smoking and vaping with your kids over time, in bits and pieces as you have the opportunity.
When you consider the facts, it may not matter whether vaping is an epidemic. Vaping is popular, dangerous, and illegal for teens (in some states), which means you need to be informed and know how to talk your kids to keep them safe.
Like a lot of tricky topics you deal with as a parent of teens, vaping is a subject you’ll probably have to bring up more than once. Don’t get discouraged if your teen doesn’t want to talk about the dangers of vaping. Keep looking for opportunities to discuss the subject and stay engaged. Unlike cigarettes, vaping does not leave an odor. So stay connected and remind him that you care about him and his health.
Reposted from Get Parenting Tips. https://bit.ly/3bvSIPc
Category: Blog Tags: addiction resources for parents, drop the drugs, teens and vaping, vaping