Vaping is a growing trend among teenagers, and there is plenty about it that should concern parents.

In case you don't know, vaping is simply the inhaling of a vaporized liquid from an electronic device. Vaping is very popular with marijuana users, but now it's become trendy to utilize nicotine, flavoring, and other additives.

While the rate of teenage cigarette smoking has dropped by about 30% over the last five years, 45% of high school students say they have vaped, and nearly 25% are current users. Additionally, the number of adult vapers has nearly tripled in recent years.

So, what's the big deal? Well, the facts are alarming, and the best thing parents can do is have the conversation with their teens about the dangers and risks of vaping. Communiciation and relationship is the key.

Here are five important things parents should know about vaping.

 

  • 1

    Vaping is Not Harmless

    It is claimed that vaping is healthier than cigarette smoking, but that hardly means it is safe or healthy. Most vape devices contain nicotine, which is highly addictive. A study of 12th grade students showed those who had vaped in the previous year were four times more likely to be smoking one year later.

  • 2

    Teenaged Vaping is Illegal

    It is against the law for vaping devices and paraphernalia to be sold to or used by anyone under 18 years of age. There are some places in Colorado, like Aspen, that have raised the legal age to buy tobacco products and vaping devices to 21.

  • 3

    You Might Not Know if Your Kids Are Vaping

    The fact is, it can be difficult to tell if a teen is vaping for a couple of reasons. One reason is because vaping does not produce the strong smell of smoke that is caused by smoking. Secondly, vaping devices can be hard to detect because they can look like a flash drive, highlighter, or some other common device.

  • 4

    What Is In the Vape Juice?

    Vape liquid generally has three ingredients-propylene glycol and/or glycerin, chemicals for flavoring and nicotine. It is possible to vape without nicotine, but the most popular vaping devices contain the same amount of nicotine as an entire pack of cigarettes.

  • 5

    How Does it Affect Kids?

    The CDC says nicotine has a negative impact on brain development in adolescents that can cause long-term cognitive and behavioral impairments.This includes effects on working memory and attention. It also can lead to cigarette smoking in adulthood.

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