Did your high school have a smoking section? Mine did. We called it the smoke hole and it was located outside on school property, next to the cafeteria windows. Eventually, things changed. Smoking was banned from school property and rates of teen smoking dropped.

Fast forward to the present day where our teens have learned to avoid certain washrooms because of vaping or choose certain washrooms to vape. It can make for awkward moments when nature calls and some privacy is needed.

So how did we get here?

Vaping products were created as a smoking cessation tool for adults. Yet the tobacco and vaping industry’s use of appealing flavours and colourful vape designs attract youth, and the rate of youth vaping has increased. In fact, we know vape use goes up with each grade level, from grades 8 to 12.

Despite bans on school property, vaping continues to be a challenge for schools as vapes are easy to conceal. Just watch this video and see how easy it is for a student to hide a vape in plain sight.

Why do youth vape?

Many students are unaware that vaping causes harm including damage to their lungs and developing brains. When I ask my teenagers why they think certain kids vape, they wonder if it’s because of curiosity or wanting to fit in.

It turns out that the most common reason youth vape is to reduce stress and manage their anxiety. However, the nicotine in vape products creates a nicotine dependence. So, when youth vape, they relieve nicotine cravings, not stress.

What is being done about it?

The good news is that actions are being taken to address the rise in vaping amongst our youth and in school settings. Halton Region Public Health and school boards are working together to provide education and awareness about the harms of vaping through curriculum, awareness campaigns and carrying out the Smoke Free Ontario Act.  

What can I do?

First, consider this…most youth don’t vape! That is an important message for our kids to hear when they feel like ‘everyone is doing it.’  

Second, remember that as parents and caregivers, we have the biggest influence on our kids. This gives me hope. Talking early and often to our kids is one of the best ways to keep them vape-free. 

• Be ready with the facts about the harms of vaping and how the vaping industry targets youth.  
• Listen more than talk! Use open-ended questions, like “what do you think about vaping?” 
• Help your child practice what to say to their friends if offered to vape. 
• If your child is already vaping, start a conversation. This brief conversations toolkit can help with examples of questions to ask depending on your child’s readiness to quit. The key is to remain calm, curious and non-judgmental.  

Are you concerned about youth vaping and need help starting a conversation with your child? Connect with us. We would love to hear from you!

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For parenting information, speak with a HaltonParents nurse. Call 311 or 905-825-6000, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.