Synopsis: Learn proactive parenting strategies to discuss vaping with teenagers amid its rise in Singapore. Encourage open dialogue, offer support, identify root causes, dispel misconceptions, and provide access to professional help.

Estimated read time: 4 mins

With the recent rise on youths vaping in Singapore, it’s important to broach this topic with your teenager early, even before they might encounter vaping or situations where their friends are vaping. 

 

Be Casual: You can bring up the topic casually, like if you and your child see vaping content on social media, a vape report on the news, or someone vaping.

Be Curious: Ask your child what they know or think about vaping. You might be surprised by how much they already know. Thank them for sharing their thoughts, fostering an open dialogue.

Be Candid: Then, share your own feelings about vaping in a simple and open way. For example, you could say, "When I see people vaping, I worry about their health. Vaping has a lot of health risks and it’s not worth it. I want to help you figure out what to do if someone offers you a vape."

If your child is vaping, try to:

1) Work with your child

Children are generally more receptive to listening when you engage them in problem solving together. Ask them what strategies might help them manage their urge to vape.

  • Be open about their suggestions.
  • Some ideas can include healthy activities such as drawing, playing games, or engaging in sports.
  • Encourage alternatives like healthy snacking or using fidget toys to distract themselves.

From there, work out a feasible plan together and schedule in casual chats to check-in on their progress.

2) Identify communication barriers

Ask them what is it that they prefer not to hear from you. This will allow you to calibrate the way you engage your child to allow for effective 2-way communication. Here are some examples of unhelpful conversations starters:

  • I’ve told you so many times not to do it, why do you continue to vape?
  • I don’t understand, how hard is it to quit?
  • If you don’t stop vaping, I’ll stop your pocket money.

When your child talks to you, try to understand how they feel. Sometimes, you might have the urge to fix their problems right away or make light of how they're feeling. Instead, try to show your child that you understand, empathise and care by reflecting their sentiments back: “Wow, that does sound difficult.”

3) Uncover the root causes for vaping

Beyond peer influence and pressure, your child might be using vaping as a coping mechanism to distract from other challenges they are facing. He or she might be facing bullying in school, stressed out from schoolwork or feeling overwhelmed by issues with family or friends. When teenagers are in distress, they may turn to extreme unhealthy coping methods such as vaping. 

4) Educate them on perceived reality vs actual reality

Your child may feel like everyone around them is vaping and as a result, succumb under peer pressure. He or she may view vaping as an in-road to being part of a cool group. It's important for them to know that most people do not vape. 

It's important for them to know that most people do not vape. 

Consider asking your child how many people they believe vape in Singapore. Statistics show that 1 in 19 people in Singapore vape. Approximately 1 in 2 youths know someone who vapes and among those that do, majority had 1 to 3 close friends who vape. Encourage them to consider looking beyond their immediate circle of friends to understand what is truly typical. 

5) Understand that it doesn’t have to be you

As parents, while you prefer your child to turn to you for advice and help, your child may feel more comfortable to speak to a professional to discuss strategies to quit. Having someone who doesn't know them personally, gives them room to really think about their actions and figure out their goals without feeling pressured to choose between what they want to do vs what they know they should do.  

If they prefer, you can encourage them to call QuitLine at 1800 438 2000^ to seek advice and work out a tailored quit plan. By encouraging them to seek help, you’re helping your child to take the first step to a vape-free life.   

Download the HealthHub app on Google Play or Apple Store to access more health and wellness advice at your fingertips.

Visit Parent Hub, for more useful tips and guides to give your child a healthy start.

^Airtime charges apply for mobile calls to 1800 service lines