JUULs, ghosting, cloud chasing, e-juice, pods, mods …. Let’s face it; it can be a little difficult to keep up with all the lingo and devices available to our youth when it comes to vaping. Did you know that in 2014, there were 460 brands of electronic devices and 7,764 unique flavors for vaping? Further, Colorado has the highest rates of vaping in the country. As much as this is a big bummer, we are also fortunate to live in a town that is proactively taking steps to share information and resources that have been shown to make a difference in reducing use.
There are a few things to consider. One, it is important to know the facts about vaping. Two, it is helpful to understand why young people are interested. Three, as a parent or caring adult, it is helpful to know how to talk to young people about vaping.
First, a couple facts:
- About 27% of youth in Colorado use e-cigarettes. This is compared to 7% who smoke cigarettes, and 14% who use other tobacco products (i.e., smokeless tobacco and cigars).
- 44% of youth have tried e-cigarettes.
- Only 50% of youth perceive e-cigarettes as risky. This is compared to 87% who perceive cigarettes as risky.
- Youth who can ask a parent for help are 31% less likely to vape.
What does all of this data tell you? One of the most striking statistics from the Healthy Kids Colorado data is that being able to talk to your parent/caregiver is extremely important!! This means that having a trusting relationship matters!
So, why are youth vaping? From the data presented, it is clear they don’t necessarily think it is risky. And, there are some reasons for this. Marketing campaign are directed at youth and reinforce that they it is not harmful. For example, there are real campaigns that say things like, “Love Your Lungs…
Simple, Refreshing, Smoke Free” and “Take Back Your Freedom: Smoke Anywhere”. The thing is, our teens are going through the normal developmental process of being curious, and craving independence, freedom, and choice. Along with aligning to normal adolescent development, there are targeted social media campaigns that attract youth. By 2016, 4 out of 5 middle and high school students saw at least one e-cigarette ad on social media. The fact that vaping comes in flavors like cotton candy, gummy bears, and crème brulee also make it attractive. Finally, a big one is the belief that they are safer than other tobacco products. Even though they are technically safer than traditional cigarettes, they are still harmful.
While this is going on, it is still important to remember that most young people are not vaping – (27% of youth in CO). It is also important to remember that having a trusted parent, or adult, that they can go to for help makes a huge difference. So, the big question is how can you be that trusted adult?
- Start with reflection: You need to reflect on your own personal view point about electronic nicotine device use, or substances in general. Reflect on what your role is in their life, and the kind of relationship you already have. How do you usually talk about tough issues? Finally, reflect on why this is important to you. Do you want to protect them? Are you trying to intervene? Understanding your views and intentions are critical. Knowing this will help you to be mindful of your triggers and thoughtful of how you say things.
- Have a conversation. Focus on open-ended questions and listening. I understand it is tempting to just tell them what to do based on what your experience, knowledge and concern. However, the way you get in their world is by creating trust. Take advantage of teachable moments and listen. Maybe you hear an ad in the car and say something like, “What do you think about that?” Or, if your child says, “Everyone on my team is vaping,” you can say something like, “How do you feel about that?” Then, say NOTHING and let them talk.
- The next step is affirmations. Affirmations are meant to point out a young person’s strengths and assets. Pay attention to the positive behaviors you observe. For example, “Thanks for sharing this with me”, “You are very self-aware”, or “You really care about your teammates.”
- Reflect back what you hear. For example, “It feels like everyone is doing it“ or “Sounds like you are really worried about your friend’s performance on the team when they are vaping all the time.” I know it can feel awkward to parrot what they say. It gets easier and it shows them that you are listening and heard them correctly. When it is not accurate, they will correct you.
- Be open to the conversation and wait for your opportunity to share your wisdom or concern rather than sharing it first. Sharing first can make a young person feel lectured and may shut them down. Listen, listen and listen! Then, when opportunity presents itself (for example, your child shares something that is inaccurate), you can say something like “Would you be open to what I know about that” or “Can I share some things I’ve learned?”
I understand that this kind of communication takes practice and can be easier said than done. This is especially true when it is with someone you love and want to protect. Try practicing in conversations that are less charged. A closed question like, “How was your day?”, will likely get the response, “Fine.” Instead, ask something like, “What was the best part of your day?” Then, listen, affirm, and reflect back. It gets easier in time. Focus on your relationship and don’t forget to take care of yourself. The only reason things like vaping matter to you is because you care.