Educate teens on dangers of vaping

AS THE weeks of school holidays commence, young people will naturally spend more time among peers and enjoying recreational activities. This is a natural aspect of adolescent development.

Social skills and peer relationships create the foundation for future adult interpersonal dynamics. While parents should encourage their teen children to spend time in safe and age appropriate social spaces, this is a good opportunity to teach them about the potential harms associated with popular teen experimental behaviour.

Vaping, which is the inhalation of flavoured vapours created by electronic devices has risen in popularity globally and young people frequently admit that it is not difficult to access e-cigarettes or similar devices. There are many risks associated with vaping, which should be explored and explained to young people.

The principle of vaping involves heating a fluid in a pen shaped device which is inhaled in the same manner as a traditional cigarette.

Global data demonstrates that e-cigarettes are more popular than other tobacco products among adolescents; and there is misperception that they are less harmful. This is not true. The flavoured vaping fluids – which make the product that much more attractive – contain nicotine, sometimes in large doses as well as a host of other toxic chemicals.

Nicotine is a drug with extreme addictive capacity.

It is the agent responsible for generations of cigarette-smoking complications including lung cancer, chronic lung disease, cardiac disease and early death. When young people vape they expose their brains and bodies to this noxious agent.

They then establish the potential for the early onset of these very same complications. Vaping is not safe.

In addition, it is critical to recognise that the teenage brain is particularly vulnerable to habit-forming behaviour including chemically-induced addictions. Due to the differential development of different parts of the brain, adolescents are more susceptible to the effects of all substances.

In addition to nicotine, vape fluids continue other chemicals and propellants with demonstrable negative effects on blood pressure, heart rate and lung function. These are all separate from the effects on mental wellbeing and mood.

For youths who vape frequently and start to develop dependence, they clearly articulate withdrawal symptoms when they are unable to. These include fatigue, difficulty sleeping, irritability and rapidly changing mood swings.

These discomforts propel them to vape more, setting the stage for a more long-term habit. It has also been noted that young people who chronically vape are more at risk for transitioning to traditional cigarettes or even other substances.

While some experimentation will occur during the teen years, it is important that young people are provided with accurate information and education. There are many myths surrounding vaping and some youths legitimately believe it is a safe and harmless recreational activity.

These myths need to be dispelled.

Take time to talk to your teens about vaping, as well as alcohol consumption so that they make informed and knowledge-based decisions.

They will be exposed to many options and opportunities in the coming weeks, but with parental communication, support and non-judgemental dialogue, it is possible to support them in positive actions and activities.