Vaping: A Guide for Parents

Worried about the effects of e-cigarettes on your kids? Here is everything you should know about e-cigarettes and teens.

a JUUL, pictured above.

E-cigarettes are hand-held, battery powered devices in which users inhale aerosolized liquid which typically contain nicotine, flavorings, and other additives. They are often sold under names such as e-cigs, vapes, JUULs, Puff Bars, and are shaped to resemble traditional cigarettes, USB memory sticks, and tobacco pipes.

The JUUL e-cigarettes in particular has become widely popular among teens in recent years, appealing to the youth because of its many flavors and simple design. They are shaped like a USB flash drive.

Why are E-Cigarettes Bad?

• E-cigarettes are known to affect brain development, affecting the way synapses are formed in the youth brain.

• One JUUL pod has as much nicotine as a pack of cigarettes.

• Long-term side effects are unknown.

• Adolescents who vape are far more likely to use traditional cigarettes.

• Vaping can exacerbate illnesses such as asthma, and have detrimental effects on the respiratory and cardiovascular system.

How To Know If Your Child is Vaping

• If you find discarded pods/cartridges.

• You notice a sweet smell in the air- e-liquids now come in flavors such as mango, mental, creme brulee.

• They have increased or developed coughing, sore throat, nausea, or other respiratory problems.

• They are irritable, which is a symptom of withdrawal.

• Less caffeine use- e-cigarettes often have a high dose of caffeine. If your child slows down on caffeine products, it could be a sign of vaping.

What can I do?

• Educate yourself on information about vaping, including what they look like and what the signs are.

• Speak with parents, coaches, and physicians to create a positive network.

• If you find out your kid is vaping, try to find out if there is a deeper problem and try to get a feel for why they might have begun.

• There are many ways to support your kid in quitting, such as online resources like Truth Initiative’s mobile cession or Smokefree Teen. Speaking to your child’s physician may also be helpful in getting advice and credible information.