Many kids and teens look at vaping and see a harmless activity. You might think that it’s essentially just flavored steam that helps you relax. Or you might believe that vaping is so common among people your own age that the dangers must be overblown. Developing healthy coping mechanisms is crucial for individuals facing vaping peer pressure. When confronted with the pressure to vape, it is important to have alternative strategies in place to deal with stress, anxiety, and social pressure.

Talking to your vaping teen

Or parents might smell a scent they’re unable to identify even if they never see the easy-to-conceal products, which don’t produce smoke like traditional cigarettes. “We need to equate e-cigarettes with cigarettes so that teens don’t think e-cigs are more ‘cool,'” Dr. Popova says. “Years ago, we had ashtrays everywhere, and then we saw a complete switch in social norms. I think we can do that with nicotine, whether it’s inhaled using vapes or cigarettes.”

• The aerosol from vape devices often contains nicotine, an addictive drug that can affect the developing brain of a teenager.
• Vaping nicotine or marijuana can cause long-lasting health problems for your child.
• Surrounding oneself with positive influences who share similar values and goals can provide a strong support system.
• Talk to your kid about any larger concerns or pressures they may be feeling.
• You may be confident in the person that you are and unafraid of having a different opinion to your peers.
• The time and energy spent on vaping-related activities can take away from valuable study time and extracurricular involvement, hindering students’ overall educational experience.

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That way, the parent can also be more aware of basic but helpful aspects of communication, such as ensuring that they are using a calm tone of voice and body language. Once you have some talking points and ideas, rehearse them with someone you trust who can which of the following is a type of indirect peer pressure? give honest feedback on how you are actually coming across, Lebowitz says. Before jumping into any conversation, it’s good to prepare yourself with a solid set of facts. Parents who give inaccurate information risk losing credibility, Krishnan-Sarin says.

How to Talk to Teens About Vaping Risks

• Your doctor may also be able to prescribe medication that eases withdrawal symptoms.
• Or you could ask a sibling to bluntly remind you of the health consequences, or to join you in a new exercise routine or hobby to reduce your stress and boredom.
• Dr. Lisa Damour is a psychologist, best-selling author, monthly New York Times columnist, and regular contributor to CBS News.
• But over time, you’ve built up patterns and routines around vaping.

The support of peers and feeling included at school had no bearing on the teens’ decision to try e-cigarettes or smoke. New research also shows that e-cigarette users may have an increased risk of prediabetes and lung diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). If you use both e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes, you further increase your health risks. One study found that people who use both types of nicotine sources significantly raise their odds of cardiovascular disease.

• Moreover, the portrayal of vaping in popular culture, such as movies, music, and social media, further reinforces the notion that vaping is a trendy and desirable activity.
• It’s often easier for young people to obtain e-cigarettes, especially if the products are popular among their friend groups.
• It will also provide a relaxed environment to discuss ideas without making them feel like they are being blamed or in trouble.
• But it is still very important that for the safety of yourself, that you resist the pressure.
• Seeking support from friends and family members who share their concerns can provide a strong foundation of encouragement.
• Nicotine can also affect your brain, which continues to develop until you reach your mid-20s.

Do they feel depressed about a breakup or anxious about school? Sometimes just listening and making your child feel heard is enough to improve their well-being. Reflect on how much better you’ll feel when you drop the habit. Nicotine withdrawal symptoms are uncomfortable sensations that set in shortly after you quit vaping. They might last days or weeks, but know that they’re a normal part of the process. Difficulty retaining information in class or staying focused on your homework can lead to academic challenges.

Find the right time and place.

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