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Whether you're a parent, teacher, coach, employer or mentor you have more influence over a young person's actions than you might think. Talking to them about vaping could be the reason they choose to not vape. Or the reason they quit before it gets ugly.
So, where do you even begin? Talking with young people about serious or personal topics can be a real challenge. Every relationship is unique, and every person is different.
That's why we looked around and gathered some great advice from experts who know what they're talking about.
There are numerous ways to approach this conversation and many resources to choose from, but most have a couple of key pointers in common.
Avoid Scolding or blaming.
Come to the conversation with questions you can ask.
Be ready to invite and hear questions, as well.
Have patience. It may take time, and you may have to try more than once - but it's worth it.
Surgeon General
As the Surgeon General of the United States Public Health Service notes, "The recent surge in e-cigarette usage among youth ... is cause for great concern." In fact, the
Office of the Surgeon General has a whole section of its website devoted to sharing useful facts and information on vaping. As the Office itself says, "we know enough to take action now to protect the health of our nation's young people. Everyone has a role, including parents, health care providers, teachers, and others who work with and care about young people."
Find a great tip sheet, in English and Spanish, for talking to the young people you can influence, as well as other great information here >
American Lung Association
From eliminating smoking on planes, to raising the minimum age for buying tobacco products, to discovering the gene that causes cystic fibrosis (the cause of infant respiratory distress syndrome), the
American Lung Association (ALA) has been steadfast in its mission. So, when they launched their ‘Get your Head Out of the Cloud’ campaign, aimed at parents, people paid attention. As the ALA says “Think your kid wouldn’t vape?… Statistics say they might.” Of course, they have a helpful vaping Conversation Guide because they know that “you can play a significant role in protecting your child from the dangers of vaping and nicotine dependence.”
Find their guide here >