How to tell if your teen is vaping 

A recent study found that only 40% of parents or guardians were aware that their child was vaping compared with 70% for smoking.

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6 signs that your teen is vaping

  1. Unusual items in their things

Vaping devices can come in many parts including detachable tanks, batteries, chargers, some are like USB devices (JUUL) and some are disposable devices so look like this:

If you see something unusual or unfamiliar search on the internet for vaping parts or talk to other parents to check what they might be. These are the most obvious signs of vaping but watch this video about how difficult if can be to spot the devices:

  1. Candy smells

73% of teens prefer fruit flavor vaping so smelling sickly candy fruit aromas is likely to be a strong sign. Read more about what teens are vaping

  1. Changes in taste or more thirsty

Vaping dries the mouth and so an increase in drinking is a potential sign.

Also dry mouths changes the taste of food making them have less flavor so if they are adding salt, spices, sauces more than usual it could be a sign.

  1. Shortness of breath

As with smoking it is thought that vaping affects the lungs and will lead to shortness of breath. If they are sporty this will become clear during training and matches.

  1. Nosebleeds

Vaping also dries out the nostrils as the vaping gas is exhaled. This can lead to an increase in nosebleeds.

  1. Changes in their behavior

During the teen years they will inevitably change, maybe getting angry, frustrated and tearful.

However, most vaping juices contain nicotine and many contain cannabis.

Getting addicted to nicotine as a young person affects emotional control, decision making and impulses and so will change the pattern of behavior of your child over a sustained period.

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References:

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