In communities across the country, parents are grappling with how to talk to their young person about vaping. According to youth survey data provided by Positive Directions- The Center for Prevention and Counseling, 17% of Weston young people reported using an e-cigarette at least once during a 30-day period. Although traditional cigarettes use among youth are at all-time low rates, e-cigarettes have become the most common form of tobacco product used by youth. Communities across Connecticut and the country are now challenged with keeping up with the trends and what parents should know about these devices.
During the November 13 Up In Smoke presentation on the danger of vaping and youth, hosted locally by the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program of Weston, Denique Weidema-Lewis, Director of Prevention at Positive Directions discussed how e-cigarettes have appealed to youth, as well as strategies on how parents can have the conversation with their young person.
With recent developments of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) increased enforcement related specifically to youth and the e-cigarette industry, Positive Directions would like to use this opportunity to reinforce some key points of the presentation:
· E-cigarettes are devices which mimic smoking. The liquid contained in these devices usually has nicotine and flavoring in it, and other additives.
· Adolescent years are times of important brain development since this process doesn’t complete until age 25. Nicotine exposure during adolescence and young adulthood can cause addiction and harm the developing brain.
· E-cigarettes appeal to youth due to their sweet flavoring, lack of odor, and its discreet design which allows for easy concealment.
Even though the roller coaster of adolescence, parents are the largest influence on their young person. But how can parents be empowered to start the conversation?
Practical suggestions include:
1) Education from credible sources is essential.
2) It’s important to encourage dialogue, so be ready to listen. Encouraging regular discussions not only allows parents to gain additional insights on what’s happening with their young person but allows for an open line of communication to keep talking throughout adolescence.
3) Have regular conversations about expectations for your youth to live substance-free.
Additional resources can be found The Surgeon General’s Report on E-Cigarette Use Among Youth and Young Adults (https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/). Local resources are available through the Positive Directions website (www.Positivedirections.org) or The Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program of Weston (http://www.westonadap.org/).