2023 Author: Anita Thornton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-22 03:30
Vaping is trending among young people. Although the electronic cigarette is less harmful than smoking for smokers wishing to quit smoking, its popularity among non-smoking teenagers is undeniable.
Statistically, 23% of students in secondary 1 to 5 have already used it in Canada. Although less harmful than smoking, vaping is not without risk.
The risks of addiction
Few people know that vaping can lead to exposure to nicotine, and therefore be addictive.
The level of nicotine in vaping liquids can vary widely. Some blends may contain more nicotine than a regular cigarette, while others contain a small amount.
Young people are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of nicotine and can become addicted at lower levels of exposure than adults.
The effects of nicotine on development
In adolescents, vaping with nicotine can impair brain development. Nicotine has been shown to impair memory and concentration, two important factors in academic success, among others.
Nicotine exposure during adolescence can lead to cognitive and behavioral problems as well as decreased impulse control. 3 4
The long-term he alth effects of vaping are unknown. However, according to He alth Canada, there is enough evidence to justify efforts to prevent young people and non-smokers from using vaping products.
If you suspect your child is addicted to nicotine, talk to your doctor.
How do I tell him?
Learn about vaping and its risks before discussing it with your child. To learn more and prepare for the discussion, check out Canada.ca/vaping and He alth's parent tip sheet Canada.
Avoid criticism and persistent questions. Instead, encourage open dialogue so that he is receptive to your words. The goal is to present the facts and correct any misconceptions he or she may have about e-cigarettes. Use everyday situations (for example, coming across young people vaping) to bring up the subject regularly together.
Let him know that vaping is not harmless for several reasons. It can increase exposure to dangerous chemicals and can lead to nicotine addiction. Moreover, since the electronic cigarette is still a relatively new phenomenon, the long-term consequencesterm on he alth remain unknown.
Ask other adults you trust to support you in raising awareness or deterring your child. Whether it's a family member or a doctor, your combined efforts will yield better results.
The ideal is of course to lead by example. If you smoke or vape, be honest with your child about the risks and challenges you face quitting. If you are vaping to help you quit smoking, explain to him that vaping is less harmful for you who smoke, but not for a non-smoker. He must remember that it is not without danger for his he alth.
3. Smith, R. F., McDonald, C. G., Bergstrom, H. C., Ehlinger, D. G. and Brielmaier, J. M., 2015. Adolescent nicotine induces persistent changes in development of neural connectivity. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 55, pp.432-443.
4. England, L. J., Bunnell, R. E., Pechacek, T. F., Tong, V. T. and McAfee, T. A., 2015. Nicotine and the developing human: a neglected element in the electronic cigarette debate. American journal of preventive medicine, 49(2), pp.286-293.
