Young people might use alcohol or other drugs – including vapes – for a range of reasons, including:
- Experimentation
- It feels good
- To fit in
- For relaxation
- As a coping strategy for feelings of stress or anxiety.
Not all use leads to addiction. Experimentation and risk-taking can be a normal part of adolescent development.
It’s important to remember that nicotine is not listed on the packaging of most vapes – some young people may not realise this is a product they could become addicted to.
If you know a young person who vapes, have an open conversation with them about the risks.
Below are some tips for having a conversation about vaping.
- Raise the topic in a calm environment. Consider the time and place – think about when they tend to open up to you. Going for a walk or a drive together may reduce resistance to a conversation.
- Try to avoid making judgements or assumptions, listen to their perspective. Try asking questions that help you work out why they are vaping.
- Remind them that you care, and you are concerned about their health. Ask them what they would miss if they quit vaping.
- Offer support to quit – aim to be someone they can turn to for support, rather than someone they feel will get them into trouble. If a desire to ‘fit in’ is part of the reason they vape, work with them to find ways they can say no.
- There will probably be situations where the young person feels will be harder to avoid vaping. It could be helpful for you to talk about what their ‘trigger’ moments might be. You can plan ways to manage these situations together. They might want to change routines, or avoid certain places or people for a few weeks after they quit. Ask them how you can help.
- Prepare for slip-ups. Quitting nicotine can be hard, and setbacks can occur, particularly for people who have higher dependence on vaping. Offer support and continued motivation – but try not to nag. Every quit attempt is a learning opportunity, different quit strategies will work better for different people.
Supporting young people to quit vaping can be challenging. If you need to talk to someone about the best way to offer support, you can call Quitline (13 7848). The counsellors can offer strategies for quitting, tips on how to engage young people in quitting, and advice on what other support may be suitable, including NRT.
If the young person is not vaping
Talking with teenagers and young people about risky behaviours helps to keep them safe. The earlier and more often you talk to young people about vaping, the more likely they are to listen.
If they’re not vaping and not interested in trying it, support their decision. Encourage them to talk to you about vaping if they become curious to try it.
If they haven’t tried vaping but are curious about it, talk about the risks of vaping, and practice ways they can continue to say no if they’re offered a vape. They might find it helpful to know that many people who are addicted to vaping (or smoking) wish they’d never started.
Young people are more likely to vape or smoke if others around them do. Parents, carers and other family members should never vape or smoke around children and young people. Always keep all products including e-liquids well out of reach of children.