Talking to teenagers about vaping may not be an easy thing to do, but it’s essential to have these discussions and take the opportunity to do so now while kids are at home. Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance that is especially harmful to the health and development of young people. Unlike cigarettes, a vaping device can look like an everyday object that is easily concealed and used at home without a parent’s knowledge. While cigarettes produce a detectable smell, vape liquid can come in several flavors creating vapor that smells like fruit or candy and dissipates quickly with no residue. These factors often make it difficult to catch your teen in the act, but there are other signs you can pay attention to while at home to know if your teen may be vaping.

• Finding unusual or unfamiliar items such as coils, lithium batteries, reusable tanks, and atomizers.
• Abnormal changes in behavior, such as mood swings, anxiety, and agitation.
• Shortness of breath as well as constant coughing or clearing their throat.
• Increased thirst or dehydration.
• Frequently having a dry mouth, nosebleeds, and mouth sores.
• Develop caffeine sensitivity and decrease their consumption of coffee and energy drinks.

When having a conversation about the dangers of nicotine use, it’s essential to avoid criticism. Setting the stage to have a natural discussion will make it more likely that your child or teenager will listen and engage with the conversation. Timing is also important, talk to your kids at the start of the school year and provide them reminders throughout the year as needed. Finally, the more informed parents are about vaping, the better prepared they will be for tough conversations with their kids. To learn more visit, MaricopaCountyAttorney.org/Vaping