Parents, guardians and trusted adults can have a big impact on young people, so it’s a great idea for you to talk with them about vaping. Below is some helpful advice and resources to support you.
To help a young person you care about quit, it’s important to understand what vaping is and why so many young people are doing it.
• Vapes are the most commonly used tobacco products among U.S. middle and high school students.
• The increased use of vapes is driven, in part, by the belief that vapes are safe and are not addictive like cigarettes. However, the e-liquid in most vape products contains nicotine, an addictive substance that affects teen brain development.
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Understand WhyCuriosity, Peer Pressure and Enticing Flavors are all reasons young people start vaping. They keep vaping for many reasons, including: • to deal with things like boredom and anxiety • to avoid withdrawal symptoms • to fit in |
It’s important to find the right time and approach to start the conversation with a young person about vaping. Your goal is to have a talk, not a debate.
Look for ways to start talking naturally, like when:
Get their viewpoint by using open-ended questions, like:
Be a good listener and try not to judge.
Offer honest and science-based information. Here are some ideas:
Most vapes have nicotine, which can cause addiction.
Most experts agree that vapes are safer than cigarettes, but they are not actually safe. Many vapes have nicotine and other chemicals that can be harmful.
Thanks for being honest with me.
Not one and done. Try to have conversations often and calmly.
Remember to…
• Connect and Encourage
• Remind and Repeat
• Share Facts and Resources
For more guidance, visit the American Lung Association’s Vaping Conversation Guide.
Kick It California offers an automated text program with messages tailored to help at critical points along the quit journey, including tips to deal with motivation, planning, getting support, self-talk, and recovering from slips. Once enrolled, the young person can text us with questions and a Quit Coach will respond.
To enroll Text “Quit Vaping” to 66819 or visit kickitca.org/text to learn more.
The Truth Initiative offers an automated text program for teens and young adults who want to quit vaping and a separate program for the parents and adults who are supporting them.
Learn more truthinitiative.org/thisisquitting
Download our NoVape mobile app to get quit tips, games, and breathing exercise.
For 30 years, Kick It California has provided phone-based quit coaching that works. And we provide specific support for friends and family members who want to help someone quit.
Educational & Promotional Materials
Visit our Free Materials section for flyers, fact sheets and social media posts to promote Kick It California quit vaping services.
Visit the California Youth Advocacy Network to get vaping prevention materials for your school at low or no cost.
Youth Vaping Alternative Program Education (YVAPE)
YVAPE is a counseling and educational program for students who have been cited for vaping at school. California public middle and high schools can enroll students in YVAPE instead of alternative disciplinary action for vaping. YVAPE is designed to provide a positive experience for the student and help them think through their vaping behavior.
Learn more https://yvape.org/