The results of a national survey about teens and vaping was published on The New England Journal of Medicine on December 17, 2018. Here are some things parents should know about vaping.
What is vaping?
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has a good explanation of vaping:
“E-cigarettes are nicotine delivery devices that have a battery, a heating element and a container for liquid. When liquid is heated, users inhale the vapor. The liquids are usually flavored and contain nicotine, so users experience a taste sensation as well as a hit of the same addictive stimulant found in cigarettes.”
What did the survey say?
A national survey revealed a large increase in nicotine vaping among high school students. More than 20% of 12th-graders reported that they vaped nicotine in 2018. The survey says that the increase in adolescent nicotine use from 2017 to 2018 was explained by an increase in vaping, and that the use of other nicotine products declined (among adolescents).
What is being done about it?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a Youth Tobacco Prevention Plan. It is a series of actions to stop youth use of tobacco products, especially e-cigarettes, with special focus on three key areas:
* Preventing youth access to tobacco products
* Curbing the marketing of tobacco products aimed at youth
* Educating teens about the dangers of using any tobacco product, including e-cigarettes, as well as educating retailers about their role in protecting youth
What can parents do if their teen is vaping?
Real Simple has some good suggestions. Parents should resist the urge to freak out. Teens are likely to shut down if their parent starts a conversation by being angry or accusatory.
Ask open-ended questions. This gives your teen the opportunity to open up. It is important that parents listen to what their teens share. Parents should share their concerns about vaping with their teens, including facts about nicotine addiction and health risks related to nicotine.
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* Keep Conversation Natural, Not Forced