Talking to Your Child About Vaping: What Parents Should Know

As a parent, it can be hard to know how to start talking to your child about vaping but starting the conversation early can make a big difference.

Vaping is a growing concern among youth. Social media can make vaping look cool to kids, but as a parent, you can help them understand the real risks. Many vape products are made to look appealing, but they are not safe. Most vapes contain nicotine, which is very addictive. Nicotine can harm a child’s growing brain and make it harder to focus, manage emotions and make good choices. Vaping can also expose youth to harmful chemicals that can damage the lungs and heart.

Data from the California Youth Tobacco Survey (2023–2024) shows that 5.0% of high school students vape, and 6.4% use some type of tobacco product. In Fresno County, 5.1% of students reported vaping in the past 30 days in 2023. To help your child avoid vaping, it’s important to start conversations early. Open and honest communication can make a big difference.

Not sure how to begin? Try asking: "What have you heard about vaping at school?" and use these tups below! 

• Start early and keep talking: Chat about vaping often so your child feels comfortable asking questions.
• Ask and listen: Let your child share what they know about vaping. Listening helps them trust you.
• Share the facts simply: Explain that vaping can lead to nicotine addiction and can seriously harm the body.
• Clear up common myths about vaping: Vaping is not just inhaling "water vapor." It contains harmful chemicals that can put their health at risk.
• Teach your child how to say “no”: Help your child know what to say if someone offers them a vape.
• Set clear family rules: Model for your child what following the rules looks like.

Keep talking to your child about vaping. It’s not just a one-time conversation. Talking often helps them feel supported and empowers them to make healthy choices. You can find more help at dontblowitfresno.com or www.undo.org.

Source: California Department of Public Health, California Youth Tobacco Survey (CYTS), 2023–2024.