As a parent, having open conversations about vaping with your teenager can feel challenging, but it’s one of the most important things you can do for their health. With vaping becoming more common, especially among Singaporean teens, it’s essential to help them understand the risks and empower them to make healthier choices.
Our expert, Associate Professor Anantham Devanand, Head of SingHealth Duke-NUS Lung Centre, has three tips to help you have constructive conversations with your teen.
1. Build Trust. Have Open, Honest Conversations
Create an environment where your teen feels safe and comfortable talking to you without worrying about getting in trouble or being judged. Share facts about how vaping can hurt their lungs, increase the risk of addiction, and affect mental health. By providing clear, real-world information, you’re giving your teen the knowledge they need to make informed choices. The more they know, the less likely they’ll be tempted to try it.
At the same time, knowing they can come to you with any concerns helps to build trust over time. This makes them more willing to open up, which in turn makes tough conversations easier and more effective.
2. Guide Them to Resist Peer Pressure with Confidence
The pressure to fit in can be overwhelming for teens. Help your teen practise how to say “no” to vaping with confidence. Role-play scenarios where they might be offered a vape and talk through ways they can assert their decision in a calm, self-assured manner. The goal is to empower them to stand by their choices, even when it’s tough.
3. Encourage Healthy Ways to Manage Stress
Sometimes, teens turn to vaping to cope with stress or difficult emotions. Help them explore healthier outlets such as exercising, engaging in creative hobbies, or simply talking about their feelings with others. When your teen employs positive coping strategies, they’ll be less likely to turn to vaping or other unhealthy habits.
Lead by Example: Stay Smoke-Free
Parents should set a positive example by avoiding unhealthy habits like vaping or smoking, as your actions influence your child more than you might realise.
By approaching conversations about vaping with understanding, patience, and clear communication, you are helping your teen make healthier choices. With ongoing encouragement, you are building their confidence to handle peer pressure, empowering them to make informed decisions for their well-being and future.
Contributed By
- Health Promotion Board