ATLANTA — During Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November, it may be the best time to talk to kids about the dangers of e-cigarettes.
They have become the most commonly used tobacco product among both middle and high school students according to a recent CDC survey.
"This habit can put kids at risk for reactive airway disease, asthma and even emphysema," said Dr. Britton, chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare of Georgia. "Adolescents who have smoked e-cigarettes are also more than three times more likely to move on to marijuana than teens who have never tried vaping."
Dr. Britton has advice for parents and educators about talking to kids about vaping:
- Get Their Viewpoint: Instead of leading with facts, consider starting with curiosity. Rather than saying “we need to talk,” you might ask your teen, “What’s your take on e-cigarettes?” or “Do you know kids who are vaping?” Finding out what adolescents already know and think about vaping does two things at once. First, it shapes how the rest of the exchange might go. If your teenager says, “I tried it and thought it was weird,” you’re having one conversation; if they respond slyly, “Lots of kids are doing it — I don’t see why it’s a big deal,” you’re having another.
- Before Suggesting Why Not, Ask Why: Some adolescents vape for the thrill of defying authority, often in view of their peers. Compact vaporizers like Juuls, which look like flash drives, allow teenagers to easily conceal their e-cigarettes and take quick, discreet hits at home, in school hallways and even in class. And some teenagers may enjoy the stimulant quality of nicotine while trusting that they are taking less of a risk by forgoing harder drugs. If adults address only the downsides of risky temptations, it’s easy for adolescents to dismiss. Acknowledging the allure of vaping and the other chancy things teenagers sometimes do can make it easier for adults to say their piece. In the end, we want our teenagers to weigh their options and be self-protective.
- Share Your Concern and Answer Their Questions: Teenagers can be quick to tune out adults, so avoid criticism and encourage an open dialogue. Remember, your goal is to have a conversation, not to deliver a lecture and it’s okay for your conversation to take place over time, in bits and pieces.
