For Parents: How to Talk to Your Child About Vaping

Personally, I am not a parent. I can only imagine that being a parent often means having tough conversations, and discussing topics like vaping may feel like a daunting task to approach. How to start? Where to start? What do I say? Just a few thoughts that might generate an anxiety-provoking reaction.

Vaping has become increasingly common among young people, with flavoured e-liquids and trendy vape devices appealing to teens, alongside peer pressure forever playing apart with children wanting to ‘fit in’.

This guide will help you recognise the signs they may be vaping, talk to your child about vaping, and support them in quitting. I may not be a parent (yet I hope!), but we’re in this together.

How Do I Know If My Child Is Vaping?

If you’re unsure whether your child is vaping, here are some signs to look out for:

• • Sweet or unusual smells: E-liquids come in hundreds of flavours, leaving behind noticeable scents like sweets, mint, or fruit.

• • Unexplained expenses: If your child is spending more money than usual, they may be purchasing vaping devices, cartridges, or e-liquids.

• • Strange devices or pods: Keep an eye out for unfamiliar items like cartridges, pods, or small, USB-like devices (often used as vapes like Buzz Bars, available at your local petrol station…)

• • Physical symptoms: Increased or unexplained coughing, sore throat, breathing difficulties, or wheezing could be warning signs.

• • Irritability: Nicotine withdrawal and cravings can lead to mood swings, irritability and behavioural changes.

• • Thirst or dry mouth: Nicotine can cause dehydration, so your child may seem thirstier than usual.

• • Lack of focus: Struggling with concentration can also be linked to cravings or withdrawal from nicotine.

If you notice one or more of these signs, it’s worth starting a calm conversation with your child about vaping.

Why Open Communication Matters

Creating a safe space for your child to discuss vaping is key. It’s not about catching them doing something wrong or assigning blame — it’s about helping them make informed choices. Your child should feel they can approach you without fear of judgment or punishment, and a reciprocal approach should be used.

Start by asking open-ended questions like:

• • ‘Have you or your friends heard much about vaping?’

• • ‘What do you think about it?’

• • ‘What would you do if offered a vape?’

These questions can open the door to more in-depth conversations, allowing your child to share their experiences or opinions without feeling judged. Remember to keep your tone calm and supportive throughout, and avoid any extremes eg ‘vaping can cause cancer (we don’t know this either way yet) or a punitive approach.

How Can I Support My Child in Quitting Vaping?

If you discover that your child has been vaping, the key is not to react with anger or intense emotion. A calmer approach will make them more likely to listen and engage. Offer your support and make it clear that you want to help them quit rather than punish their habits.

Here are a few steps to consider when talking to your child about vaping:

1. Discuss Nicotine Addiction

Start by educating your child on how easy it is to become dependent on nicotine through vaping. Many young people aren’t aware of the addictive nature of vaping, especially when it’s marketed as a ‘safer’ alternative to smoking.

If your child expresses a readiness to quit but struggles to stop, consider nicotine-free vapes as a temporary option. You can also explore professional support services, such as your local Stop Smoking Service, to see if they offer a specific stop vaping service too (in Jersey we don’t have this). And don’t forget about me! Please reach out if you feel I can help at team@livelifevapefee.org.uk.

2. Identify Triggers

Help your child pinpoint when and why they vape. Is it something they do out of boredom, stress, or peer pressure? Do they vape only when socialising with friends? Recognising these triggers can make it easier to break the habit. Once you know what prompts their vaping, you can work together to develop strategies to avoid or manage those triggers.

3. Replace the Habit with Healthy Activities

Encourage your child to replace vaping with new healthier distractions. This could include activities like:

• • Taking up a new hobby

• • Socialising outside of circles with other children who vape

• • Exercising (even something as simple as going for a walk)

• • Teaching them how to cook!

• • Video gaming, in moderation, can be helpful to distract both their mind and hands

• • Provide them with a leaflet so that they can have a read. Here is a useful link to a leaflet from Australian authorities.

Having an alternative to turn to when cravings hit can greatly increase their chances of success.

4. Celebrate Progress

Quitting can be challenging for both you and your child. Celebrate small victories along the way and remind them of their motivations for quitting. Whether they’re aiming to improve their workouts or simply avoid bad breath, these personal goals can keep them on track.

5. Build a Support Network

Helping your child quit isn’t something you have to do alone. Reach out to other parents, school support staff, or services like Kooth or MIND if they are having psychological difficulties. Having a trusted network of adults can provide you and your child with the encouragement and resources you need on this vape-free journey. I have created a community WhatsApp where anyone can join and have an open discussion about their concerns or seek support.

Create an Ongoing Dialogue

Ending the immediate conversation about vaping doesn’t mean the topic is closed. Make it clear that your child can always approach you with questions or to share their experiences. By fostering a supportive environment, you can help them make healthier decisions in the future.

Remember, open communication, patience, and guidance are your best tools when addressing vaping with your child. Together, you can work toward a healthier, vape-free life.

Conclusion: Share Awareness and Help Others

I imagine talking to your child about vaping isn’t going to be easy, but it’s an important conversation to have if you are concerned.

In the New Year, I will be giving presentations in local schools in Jersey to children and teens, alongside leaving flyers with useful resources and signposting to help, and having engaging discussions with teachers. If you, or someone you know is a teacher, feel free to contact me if you feel this may be of use.

Share this post with other parents or teachers to spread awareness and empower families in tackling this growing issue. Together, we can help make a difference.