It seems that we hear about vaping all the time at the moment, but what do you really know about vaping and how to talk to your kids about this issue? We sat down with Adam Przytula, Director and Founder of Armed for Life to hear his take. The ‘Armed for Life’ workshop on vaping is one of the most popular session the group offers at the moment. Thanks, Adam. Over to you.
Vaping is the inhaling of vapour that is created by an electronic cigarette that usually contains nicotine, flavours and chemicals. The liquid is heated to a high temperature – vaporised – and then inhaled by the user.
The list of dangers is long, mostly because of the chemicals used to super heat the nicotine. Lung conditions and diseases, heart conditions and seizures are high on the list. All of these health risks are being experienced by people of all ages. No-one is immune just because they’re young or because they’ve just started vaping.
What’s really concerning for young people is the fact that nicotine exposure during the teenage years can harm brain development, which continues until about age 25.
All e-cigarettes and e-cigarette liquid may contain nicotine, even if they’ve been labelled ‘nicotine free’. One e-liquid pod can contain as much nicotine as a whole packet of cigarettes.
Given the prevalence and easy availability of vapes, I would recommend that parents start talking to their kids about vaping around 10 years old. There are many primary school kids vaping and we need to address this as early as we possibly can in a way that they understand.
I would recommend discussing vaping in the context of thinking we are invincible and that the consequences don’t apply to us as a good way of opening up the discussion.
Give them all the facts and explain why it’s so dangerous. And share stories! You don’t have to look far on Google to find horror stories of how young people have been affected by vaping. Help them to understand that the consequences are real!
One question I get asked a lot, is how to tell if a child is vaping. There seems to be a growing trend of young people struggling with impulse control and I think this is linked. Lacking self-control and struggling more with emotional regulation seems to be an indicator.
If you think your child is vaping, don’t panic! And don’t yell. Focus on the dangers and let them know you’re there to support them.
Be prepared for getting off vaping to take a little time. Basically, however long they have been using will determine how long it takes to get off vapes.
Putting an end to vaping is possible. My strongest recommendation is to work in partnership with your GP. Take them to your family doctor and come up with a joint plan.
St Stephen’s School has campus nurses and psychologists, as well as your Deans of House, Deputies and Heads of Campus – don’t hesitate to reach out for support from the school. They have a great team of staff who are keen to support your child no matter what the challenge.
Armed for Life is a regular visitor to St Stephen’s School and we value their wisdom, leadership and ability to connect with our young people on issues that matter. Since its inception in 2012 Armed For Life has worked with over 500 schools all around WA from Kalgoorlie to Karratha, Albany, Narrogin, Busselton and Geraldton, and more recently in Cape Town South Africa. Adam has spoken to over 1 million people, including hundreds of St Stephen’s School students.
Some resources for parents:
Parents’ Vaping fact sheet from WA Health Department
WA Education Department vaping resources for parents