5 Things to Know About the Dangers of Vaping
Here are eight important things you need to know as a parent about vaping, and how to help your child and teen make smarter choices. Symptoms of liquid nicotine poisoning include:
Vomiting Rapid heartbeat Jitters Trouble breathing Drooling and excessive salivary production
If you suspect your child may be affected, call the Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222.
How to Talk to Your Kids About E-Cigs
The Surgeon General has released a brief tip sheet on the dangers of e-cigarettes and how to lead a conversation with your teens to help them avoid the peer pressure of vaping with friends. Their tips include how to find the right moment, sample responses to kids’ questions about vaping, and ways to keep the conversation going. Having “the talk” isn’t a one-time thing. You need to keep the lines of communication open. Let your child know you’re open to answering any of their questions and providing the support they need.
3 Conversation Starters to Use TODAY
It’s hard to start a conversation with teens without risking pushing them away. Here are three conversation starters courtesy of the CDC:
I just learned that many e-cigarettes have nicotine in them. That’s the drug that makes cigarettes so addictive. Nicotine can also mess with your brain development. I just saw a report from the Surgeon General that e-cigarettes can mess with how your brain develops and might even affect your mood and focus. Please don’t use any products that contain nicotine. I hope none of your friends use e-cigarettes around you. Even breathing the cloud they exhale can expose you to nicotine and chemicals that can be dangerous to your health.
Talk to you teen about e-cigarettes and make sure they’re aware of the dangers. Make sure they know that although they’re not technically smoking, they are still ingesting harmful chemicals into their bodies.
