It's Not Just Water Vapour
There’s more to vaping than you think.
Talking to teens about vaping
Talk To Kids
One of the best things a parent can do is talk to their kids about vaping and other substances.
Find Help for Mental Health
Find mental health and substance use supports in B.C. with the Wellbeing website
What's In Your Vape?
Did you know it’s not just harmless vapour?
One of the best things a parent or adult can do is to talk to kids about substance use, including vaping.
Building positive relationships and connections through open and non-judgemental conversations can help your child feel confident to ask you questions before they try any substance.
START THE CONVERSATION:
Find the right time:
The best time to have a conversation about vaping is when you’re ready and when it makes sense for you. If you walk by another teen vaping, or see something on the news, maybe you take the opportunity to have a conversation with your teen about vaping.
Be patient and ready to listen:
- Encourage an open dialogue and avoid criticism.
- Remember, your goal is to have a meaningful conversation, not to give a lecture.
- If your teen tells you they have tried vaping or vape regularly, thank them for being honest.
Then offer to share some information about the risks of vaping, and discuss the benefits of being smoke and vape-free.
What to say:
Ask your child what they think about vaping, if you know they vape, you can start by asking “why do you choose to vape” in a non-judgemental way. Asking “why” can invite your child to consider their decision and gives you an opportunity to build trust and understanding.
Explain the risks of vaping. From nicotine dependence to exposure to chemicals, vaping isn’t recommended for youth. Talk about the facts and point them to some resources they can look at themselves.
It’s normal for teens to take risks, they naturally want to experiment, explore limits, and push boundaries you set. Find tips on how to handle it.
Get support:
You can also ask a care provider, or another trusted adult (relatives, teachers, faith leaders, coaches, or counsellors) to help reinforce the message.
KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING:
Don’t expect to have just one conversation with your teen. You will probably need to talk about the subject many times and in many different places.
Strike up a conversation again when it makes sense. You might find that as your teen grows, your conversations about vaping will change and reflect their growing maturity, intellectual abilities and the pressures they face.
Talking about vaping can also set the stage for important discussions about tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, drugs and other risky behaviours.
Many youths say they vape to help with their mental health to improve their mood, reduce stress and anxiety. The truth is nicotine in vapour products can aggravate symptoms of depression and anxiety – and all legally sold vapour products in BC contain nicotine. If you or someone you care about could be in need of mental health supports, visit wellbeing.gov.bc.ca
Find out more
Health Canada: Talking With Teens About Vaping
How to Handle Teen Risk Taking