Vaping
Teen vaping and smoking continues to be a growing problem in Washington state. When vaping was introduced, vaping among high school students increased 75% (MMWR 2018). Vaping and e-cigarette use among Washington high school seniors grew from 20% in 2016 to 30% in 2018; and grew from 13% to 21% among 10th graders (WA Healthy Youth Survey). According to the CDC, traditional cigarette use among high school students dropped nationally from 16% in 2011 to 8% in 2018. At the same time, vaping use increased from 2% in 2011 to 21% in 2018.
The good news is that most teens choose not to vape.
And when it comes to youth drug prevention, parents do make a difference.
Teens who believe that their parents will respond negatively to their drug use are less likely to use alcohol, nicotine, marijuana and other drugs. While other factors, like peers who use drugs, can influence a teen’s decisions, parent expectations of drug use and enforcement of drug-free rules significantly reduce teen drug use. Talk to your children about alcohol, cannabis, drugs, and tobacco, making sure that they know that no drug use is acceptable. Below are some great resources that provide data on vaping and tips for talking with your kids.
PARENT RESOURCES
Talk to your Kids about Vaping - American Lung Association
Talk with Your Teen About E-cigarettes: A Tip Sheet for Parents - Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Tips on Talking to Your Kids about Vaping - Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids
E-Cigarettes and Youth Vaping (video) - Parents Against Vaping
How can I talk to my kid about vaping without it feeling like nagging or accusations? (video) - Parents Against Vaping
One Choice Prevention Message - Institute for Behavioral Health
If you or your child would like support, reach out to a MIYFS school-based counselor or contact the MIYFS Counseling confidential intake line at (206) 275-7657.
Need tips for how to start the conversation? Start HERE!
Vaping has been linked to many harms including negative impacts to the developing adolescent/teenage brain, irreversible lung damage and lifelong nicotine addiction.