How to help my teen stop vaping?
Vaping, which is associated with nicotine addiction, is nevertheless in the hands of many young people. To protect their teens, parents therefore have every interest in being informed and proactive.
In collaboration with CQTS.
To remember
👉 Vaping is common among teenagers and presents real dangers, including nicotine addiction and its impact on the brain.
👉 Parents must engage in non-judgmental dialogue with their young person to find healthy alternatives to vaping triggers.
According to the Quebec High School Youth Health Survey (EQSJS) 2022-2023, 16% of high school students vaped in the last 30 days, and this figure reaches 24% for those in Secondary 5. These statistics are proof of the speed with which young people have adopted vaping – an adoption unfortunately often influenced by social pressure, but some teens also report vaping thinking it helps them manage their anxiety.
🚨Another alarming statistic: 72% of young people obtain vaping products through their peers, which makes vaping even more accessible.
Very real dangers and persistent myths
Vaping exposes young people to many dangers, particularly due to nicotine, which can affect brain development (the brain matures until approximately 25 years old) and impact attention capacity, learning, and emotion regulation.
In addition to neurological harm, vaping can weaken the immune and respiratory systems, and increase the risk of cardiovascular and oral health problems. Finally, it also paves the way for cigarette consumption: young people who vape are 4 times more likely to start smoking cigarettes afterward.
But myths also persist: vaping is supposedly less harmful than cigarettes, and helps reduce anxiety. In reality, the nicotine in vaping products creates the same addiction as with cigarettes, and provides only temporary, but above all artificial, relief, which reinforces the cycle of anxiety and addiction.
Design, flavors and marketing
With their attractive design, it's not surprising that vapes are so popular with young people, with some even considering them fashion accessories.
But since October 2023, strict regulations in Quebec aim to protect minors and reduce their initiation by prohibiting the sale of vaping products with flavors other than tobacco (e.g., bubblegum or watermelon), or with an appearance attractive to young people.
How to approach the subject with your teen
Favor an open and non-judgmental approach. Engage in a constructive conversation by trying to understand their point of view without condemning: ask questions about their consumption and help them become aware of the signs of addiction: in this CQTS guide, you will find advice and notably a quiz to help you assess their level of addiction.
Together, identify the emotions (e.g., stress, anger, or sadness) or activities (e.g., at a party, at home during alone time, or during a break at work) that trigger the urge to vape, and find healthy alternatives to manage stress and emotions. You can also encourage them to reduce vaping opportunities, or to set a date to quit.
Many resources exist to support young people and their families in reducing or quitting vaping, such as the Libair app, helplines, and community organizations. And above all, unconditional family support and dialogue are essential.
