- Arm yourself with the facts so you can have frank, non-judgmental conversations.
- Start a conversation. See tips on how to talk to kids here.
- Listen with patience
- Convey expectations: why you don’t want them to vape, why you are concerned about the risks to their brain, lungs, their future well-being
- Identify alternate strategies – Ask what might work for them? Ask them to self-reflect on vaping patterns to identify vaping triggers and develop a coping strategy or replacement behaviour eg. having a breath mint or glass of water, change routines, exercise, chat to a friend etc, or if you suspect nicotine dependence it may be appropriate to try nicotine replacement therapy (patches, spray, gum) to assist with symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.
- Start a peer-led conversation in class for example what worries you about vaping? What do you think about vaping? What would you say if someone offered you a vape? (practising refusal skills in class)
- Other exercises such as recognising tobacco industry manipulation. Try it here.
- Developing a quit plan. Tips on how to get started.
- Seeking help from a GP, Quitline or Psychologist. Tips on how to get help and discourage kids from smoking and vaping.
In short, vaping is a huge burden on schools and the quality of education that is being delivered. Vaping only compounds the significant mental health challenges facing today’s youth and the development of their adolescent brains.
Schools desperately need better tools and resources to help prevent students from vaping before nicotine dependence sets in, while also supporting them to quit through non-judgmental conversations and strategies.
Support don’t punish nicotine dependence!
