Are you concerned your teenager might be vaping? It's normal for parents to worry about the influences around their teens, especially as vaping has become more visible in recent years.
Vaping among young people has become a growing public health concern. Although it's illegal to sell vapes to under-18s, many young people are still able to access them. The ASH Smokefree GB Youth Survey found that around 19% of 11–17-year-olds have tried vaping, while around 6% currently vape.
While vaping is an effective tool for some adults trying to stop smoking, it's an entirely different story when it comes to marketing. Many vapes come in colourful packaging and sweet flavours that can be particularly appealing to young people, despite regulations intended to prevent under-18s from accessing them. Young people are also exposed to vaping through social media, where content featuring e-cigarettes can normalise their use even when paid advertising is restricted.
You may also have seen vaping in the news recently, following changes to the law around disposable vapes. While these changes aim to reduce youth vaping and environmental waste, it's still important for parents to have open, ongoing conversations with their teenagers, as reusable vapes remain widely available.
The long-term health effects of vaping are still being studied, and it's important to recognise that vaping is not a harmless habit. Vaping can exacerbate asthma and cause breathing irritation, and young people are especially at risk because their brains are still developing. Nicotine can cause addiction and affect the developing brain, and the long-term effects are still uncertain.
However, it's important to acknowledge that most young people don't vape regularly, although the number who do has increased in recent years. While this is still a minority of young people, vaping is a reality for many teenagers, making it worthwhile having open conversations about the risks.
Why teenagers vape
There’s more to young people vaping than peer pressure. They may be drawn to it for a variety of reasons, like:
- curiosity
- wanting to fit in
- friends who vape
- appealing flavours
- boredom
- managing stress or anxiety
Signs your teenager is vaping
- You might notice your teen coughing more at night, acting irritable, or feeling thirsty.
- Fruity or sweet smells coming from their room.
- You might notice money disappearing, either because they're borrowing it or because they're spending their own more quickly than usual.
- Unfamiliar devices or chargers in their room
- Frequent trips outside
- Complaints of headaches or increased irritability may occur if they’re becoming more dependent on nicotine.
How to start the conversation
Choose a time and place to have a private conversation without interruptions. You can let your teen know that you're concerned about them and want to talk to them about vaping.
When teenagers feel judged, they're much more likely to shut down the conversation. A calm, curious approach gives them the best chance of talking honestly about what's going on.
What to say
- Aim for a conversation rather than a lecture. You could start by asking them what it is they find appealing about vaping. When you approach the conversation with a curious mindset, you’re much more likely to get a positive response and avoid them shutting the conversation down.
- Be empathetic and understanding. Let your teen know that you know they might be tempted to vape, but that it's worth resisting the urge. Quitting vaping is hard, especially for teens. Let your teen know you're there for them and willing to help in a way that works for them.
- Encourage your teen to ask questions and be ready to answer them openly and honestly.
Explore what they think about vaping and whether there are any downsides that matter to them. Different teenagers are motivated by different things. For some, it might be:
- improving sport or fitness
- saving money
- being independent from nicotine
- not feeling controlled by an addiction
- reducing the environmental impact of disposable vapes.
How to handle your teen's reactions
Be prepared for mixed reactions from your teen. Some teens may be open and willing to discuss vaping. Others might become defensive or angry. If your teen gets defensive or angry, try to stay calm and avoid arguing. Remind them you are there to listen and support them.
And if your teen doesn't want to talk about vaping right away, don't give up. Try again later, or suggest they talk to another trusted adult, such as a teacher or counsellor.
What if they admit they're vaping?
Firstly, thank them for trusting you enough to tell you. Staying calm helps keep the conversation open and makes it more likely they'll come to you again. It’s also easier to take a collaborative approach and to work together on the next steps. While you might want to impose some consequences, try to avoid immediate punishment while emotions are high.
Additional tips
- Be respectful of your teen's feelings.
- Avoid using judgmental language.
- Focus on the facts.
- Be patient. It may take some time for your teen to come around.
- Don't panic. Give yourself time to let your feelings settle, and then you can feel prepared to have a constructive conversation with them.
- Be a role model: If you or anyone in your household vapes, consider quitting or using alternatives. It's much harder for them to vape and more accessible to resist temptation if no vaping devices or products are around the house.
Vaping among teenagers is concerning, but as a parent or carer, you can still have a significant impact on your child’s life. Remember, the main point is to make sure your teenager knows you're there for them and support them.
A calm, curious conversation won't solve everything overnight, but it can strengthen trust and make it more likely your teen will come to you when they need support.
If you're finding conversations with your teen difficult or you'd like support navigating the challenges of adolescence, I can help. Together, we can explore practical ways to strengthen communication, build trust and support your teen through this stage of their development.