Do Strawberry Watermelon, Caribbean Crush, Pink Orange Fizz sound appealing to you? Of course they do & that’s where the danger lies – VAPING!

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Do Strawberry Watermelon, Caribbean Crush, Pink Orange Fizz sound appealing to you?

Of course they do & that’s where the danger lies –  they are not fizzy drinks or sweets – they are vaping flavours  & they are a real factor & problem in the increase of vaping amongst young people & coupled with the deliberately colourful packaging totally misleading to kids as they underestimate the risk of tobacco products

I’ll be honest. I have a vested interest in the dangers of vaping as my mum died of emphysema & I abhor smoking.

But what can parents do to be the antidote to the marketing?

Children’s doctors are calling for an outright ban on disposable vapes to reduce their popularity among young people as the long-term impact on lungs, hearts and brains remains unknown.

This comes as New Zealand is cracking down on youth vaping, with new rules to try to curb growing numbers of teens taking up the habit.

The government announced it would be banning most disposable vapes, not allowing new vape shops near schools & enforcing generic flavour descriptions – so more evocative descriptors like “strawberry jelly doughnut” would become “berry”.

Back here in the UK the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has said that the government should ban single-use disposable vapes, which can be bought for just £1.99 & are most popular with young people.

This would reduce their environmental impact and discourage children who have never smoked from taking up vaping and risking long-term addiction and lung damage.

Here’s my advice on ‘Preventing Children from Vaping’

Preventing children from vaping involves a combination of education, communication, and setting a good example.

Here are some tips to help prevent children from vaping:

? Start early conversations:

Begin discussing the risks and dangers of vaping with your children at an age-appropriate level. Teach them about the harmful effects of nicotine and the potential health consequences associated with vaping.

? Educate your kids about marketing tactics:

Make your children aware of the marketing tactics used by vape companies to target young people. Teach them to critically analyse advertisements and recognise manipulative tactics.

? Be a positive role model:

Set a good example by not vaping or using any tobacco or nicotine products yourself. Children are more likely to adopt healthy behaviors when they see them modeled by trusted adults.

?Build a strong parent-child relationship:

Foster open lines of communication with your children. Create a safe and non-judgmental space where they feel comfortable discussing their thoughts, concerns, and peer pressures related to vaping.

? Stay informed:

Stay up to date on the latest trends and products related to vaping. This knowledge will help you address any misconceptions or myths your child may encounter.

? Teach refusal skills:

Role-play different scenarios with your child to help them develop assertiveness and practice saying no to peer pressure. Help them come up with strategies to navigate social situations where vaping may be present.

? Encourage healthy coping mechanisms:

Teach your child healthy ways to cope with stress or peer pressure that do not involve vaping.

Encourage activities like sports, hobbies, art, music, or spending time with friends who share similar values.

? Monitor and limit screen time:

Limit your child’s exposure to online content that promotes or glamorises vaping. Be aware of their online activities and set parental controls to restrict access to inappropriate content.

? Involve schools and communities:

Advocate for comprehensive tobacco prevention programmes in schools and engage with community organisations that promote healthy lifestyles.

Support initiatives that raise awareness about the risks of vaping among young people.

? Seek professional help if needed:

If you suspect your child is already vaping or struggling with nicotine addiction, seek professional help.

Talk to their doctor who can provide guidance and support.

Remember, prevention is key, and ongoing communication is crucial.

By educating children about the dangers of vaping, fostering a strong parent-child relationship, and promoting healthy choices, you play a vital role in preventing your child from starting vaping.

E-cigarette Basics

E-cigarettes are devices that heat a liquid into an aerosol that the user inhales. The liquid usually has nicotine and flavoring in it, and other additives. The nicotine in e-cigarettes and regular cigarettes is addictive. E-cigarettes are considered tobacco products because most of them contain nicotine, which comes from tobacco.

Besides nicotine, e-cigarettes can contain harmful and potentially harmful ingredients, including:

  • ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs
  • flavorants such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to serious lung disease
  • volatile organic compounds
  • heavy metals, such as nickel, tin, and lead

Download the facts about e-cigarettes here https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov

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