Starting the Conversation: How to Talk to Your Teens About Vaping by Maram Barakat, M.A.

Updated: Nov 22

Talking to your teens about vaping can feel like a daunting task, but it’s an important conversation that can have a lasting impact on their health. Understanding the risks, effects, and the best way to approach the subject is key to helping your teen make informed choices.

With the right approach, you can help your teen understand the dangers of vaping while keeping the lines of communication open, ensuring they feel supported and informed.

Here are some talking points to help you get started:

Do You Really Know What's Going On When You Vape and How It Affects Your Health?

Most vapes contain nicotine, the same addictive chemical found in cigarettes.

Did you know your brain is still developing until your mid-20s?

Nicotine can mess with that affecting how you learn and even your mood.

And it’s not just nicotine - vape clouds can carry harmful chemicals like heavy metals and toxic compounds that can damage your lungs.

Do You Know What Happens to Your Body?

Your Lungs: Vaping can irritate and damage your lungs, making it harder to breathe, play sports, dance, and all the fun stuff!

Your Brain: Nicotine rewires your brain, making it harder to concentrate and leaving you more likely to get addicted to other substances that can be harder to stop!

Your Heart: Chemicals in vapes can increase your heart rate and blood pressure, and that's not a good thing!

It’s Not Worth It

The vaping industry wants you to think it’s no big deal, but they are profiting while putting your health at risk. And once you’re hooked, it can be really tough to quit.

How to Stay Strong and Not Pressured to Try Vaping

If you feel pressured to try vaping, remember you’re not alone in saying no. Surround yourself with people who support your decisions and focus on things you love - sports, music, art, or just hanging out with friends who make you feel good.

Do You Need Help or More Information?

If you’ve tried vaping and want to quit, don’t be afraid to ask us for help. You can also talk to a trusted adult, school, counselor, or psychologist, or check out resources like the American Lung Association INDEPTH program.

*Remind your kids: You’re stronger than any trend. Take care of your body—it’s the only one you’ve got.

Maram Barakat, M.A., is pursuing her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Fairleigh Dickinson University. She has a master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University, with a special focus on global mental health and research methods. She is primarily interested in providing access to quality mental health services in low-to-middle income countries and vulnerable populations. She is especially passionate about working with survivors of abuse and violence. In fact, she has integrated her passion with her academic interests by focusing her master's thesis on culturally adapting and implementing cognitive processing therapy to Syrian refugee women who have experienced sexual violence during and post-displacement. Maram has worked as a mental health professional and advocate in Lebanon, Uganda, and New York for the past six years. At the Lukin Center, Maram will be taking on the role of social media manager. Her main responsibilities entail managing and monitoring the center's social media platforms, creating content, increasing engagement, and more. Apart from her professional interests, she enjoys acting, karaoke, and extreme sports.