How to Talk to Your Kids about Tobacco and E-Cigarettes Section 2.
BY Nicole Winter @ January 11, 2023

This article goes into detail on how to talk to children about tobacco.

First, parents need to find the right time. Avoid saying "we need to talk" to your child, but you can ask if any of your child's friends are using e-cigarettes when you see something/situation together, or ask what your child thinks. These things/situations could include: 1. Seeing someone smoking an e-cigarette or regular cigarette in person or on video. 2. Stop by a vape or mist shop. 3. Coming across important information while surfing the Internet. 4. See tobacco advertisements in grocery stores, magazines or on the Internet. You don't have to be long-winded; Constant short conversations can be more effective over time.

Second: Answer the child's questions.

For example: What are the disadvantages of e-cigarettes? 1. E-cigarettes release addictive and harmful chemicals. When people use e-cigarettes, they breathe in fine particles. Some people have even been taken to hospital with lung damage. 2. E-cigarettes almost always contain nicotine, and when kids use nicotine, they smoke more and more. Nicotine can also affect your memory and concentration. 3. One tank of e-liquid contains the same amount of nicotine as 20 cigarettes.

Is nicotine really that bad? 1. Until the age of 25, children's brains are still developing, which means they are more likely to become addicted to nicotine. Nicotine use at a child's age can lead to decreased concentration and memory, so it may be difficult to focus in the classroom.

A large number of people think that e-cigarettes have no nicotine, just water and fragrance. 1. A lot of people have this confusion. Almost all e-cigarettes contain nicotine and other harmful chemicals. 2. When people breathe in aerosol smoke, they don't just breathe water vapor, they actually breathe aerosols with chemicals and tiny particles.

Aren't e-cigarettes safer than regular cigarettes? 1. There aren't as many dangerous chemicals in e-cigarette aerosol as there are in cigarette smoke, but that doesn't mean the chemicals released by e-cigarettes are safe. Using either can hurt you. 2. It's been a long time since we humans learned that smoking causes cancer, and we don't yet know the long-term health effects of aerosol smoking.

Third: Keep the conversation going with your child.

Children often act as if they are not listening to us. Look for ways to share ideas naturally with your child. Even texting can be an effective tool for sharing information. You can use the following conversation or text points to ensure effective communication.

Communication and encouragement. 1. I used to smoke and it was really hard to quit, but I'm glad I did. Smoking and fogging are not worth the price we pay. 2. You can tell me the truth. If you have a friend who smokes or vapes, do let me know. I won't mess with anyone. I just want you to be healthy. Their exhalations can contain nicotine and dangerous chemicals, which can put you in a bad light. 3. If your friend asks you to try vaping, it might be hard to say "no," but I know you can do it. Tell them, "No thanks, I don't like this."

 

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