Viva Vitality: Guiding kids away from vaping epidemic
By Chloe Trautman on May 12, 2023.
Vaping rates have surged among young people, considering it to be an epidemic. According to the Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs survey (2018-19) 20 per cent of students had used a vape compared to 10 per cent in 2016-17. The prevalence of vaping use was high among Grades 10 to 12 (29 per cent) in comparison to Grades 7-9 (11 per cent). In Alberta the vaping rates are like the National rates for Canada. Vaping is relatively new, and scientists are continually learning about the long-term effects on health. Research indicates that many youths do not regard vapes as tobacco products due to differences in social norms, peer desirability, and perceived harmlessness. But how harmful is vaping really? What we do know is that most vapes contain nicotine and this alters the development of the youth brain, which can affect their memory or concentration. In addition, nicotine is highly addictive, which causes intense cravings and nasty withdrawal symptoms and youth tend to get hooked on nicotine more easily than adults. The vaping liquid and the aerosol created by vaping contain many harmful substances which are known to cause cancer and lung disease. As well, youth who vape may be more likely to start smoking than those who do not vape. There are many health harms associated with the use of vapes, but it is also illegal for anyone under the age of 18 in Alberta to use vapes. So how can you talk to a young person about vaping? Well, talking about vaping is not a one-time event, it should be a conversation that happens in bits and pieces. When we continually talk about vaping and strengthen the relationship between adult and youth, it encourages the chances that they come to you with questions or when they need help. Consider trying: • Steering youth to credible sources on vaping; • Talk about vaping when it comes up in real time – when it is on TV or when you drive by a vape shop; • Get youth thinking of the consequences of vaping in ways that are meaningful to them; • Help youth spot vaping-related advertising in movies, music, video games, etc.; • Have conversations about what it means to think and act independently and to make good decisions. Talk with the youth about how you love, care about them, and are there to help them. It is important to use open-ended questions to get a sense of why they are vaping. Listen to their answers, be there to support them, and try not to criticize or lecture. For further help, talk to your healthcare provider or call 811 to speak with a registered nurse. Chloe Trautman is a health promotion facilitator with the Population Health Promotion program in the South Zone of Alberta Health Services 15-14
