lcmh.com 13 How to talk to your kids about vaping As a parent, you probably have a running list in your mind of “things to talk to the kids about.” Here’s one more important item to add to that list: vaping. As many as 20% of high school students and 5% of middle schoolers report having used vape products (e-cigarettes) each month. It’s illegal to sell these products to kids under age 21, but they are easy to get online. Smoking e-cigarettes is a serious health threat—especially for kids and teens. Nearly all contain nicotine, which is made from tobacco and is extremely addictive. Plus, nicotine and other toxic chemicals in e-cigarettes may severely damage the heart, lungs and brain in growing children, as well as in adults. What exactly are e-cigarettes? These battery-powered devices heat up a fluid that creates an inhalable mist. That liquid goes by many names: E-juice. E-liquid. Vape juice. Vape liquid. The solution is flavored, so it tastes good. Most flavors were banned nationally in 2019, but mint and menthol are still allowed. And any flavor is allowed in inexpensive, disposable e-cigarettes. This makes them particularly popular with kids. Start the conversation If you suspect your child is vaping— or is tempted to start—bring up the topic when it’s a natural fit. For instance, when you’re together, do you see someone using an e-cigarette; spot a vape shop; or discover an ad for e-cigarettes in a store, a magazine or on the internet? Ask your child what they think about vaping to kick off the conversation. Listen to their answers and any questions they may have. Talk about the risks, and tell them you care about their health. Here are some facts to know and share: Using nicotine at a young age may make it harder to concentrate and learn or even control your mood and your impulses. The brain keeps developing until age 25. When you create a new memory or learn a new skill, your brain builds stronger connections (synapses) between brain cells. Young people’s brains build synapses faster than adult brains. Nicotine changes the way these synapses are formed. Using nicotine when you’re young may also increase the risk for future addiction to tobacco and other drugs. The vapor from e-cigarettes contains harmful chemicals like propylene glycol or ethylene glycol (also known as antifreeze), diethylene glycol, and aldehydes—such as formaldehyde, which is ranked as one of the most significant cardiovascular toxins and is also found in cigarette smoke. Secondhand vapor is harmful too. So even if your child doesn’t vape, it’s potentially risky for them to be around any friends who do. Finally, e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes also hurt adults’ health. If you use these products, quitting can be hard, but it is possible. Setting a good example for your kids can make a world of difference in whether they use e-cigarettes or traditional cigarettes too. Sources: American Academy of Physicians; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention As many as 20% of high school students and 5% of middle schoolers report having used vape products (e-cigarettes) each month.
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