If you’ve noticed more talk about vaping among your teen’s friends, or maybe even caught a glimpse of a small device that looks like a USB stick, it’s understandable to feel concerned. The rise of e-cigarettes has made nicotine use more accessible and, unfortunately, more appealing to young people. Their packaging is discrete and makes them easier to conceal, vapes create odorless clouds of water vapor instead of pungent tobacco smoke, and come in a variety of popular flavors. What was once marketed as a “safer” alternative to smoking has now become one of the biggest public health challenges facing today’s youth.

Locally, we’re seeing this concern reflected in real numbers. According to Nicasa’s Teen Court program data from fiscal year 2025, nicotine and tobacco-related products made up 17% of all cases heard, making them the second most common reason teens appeared before the court. Even more concerning, 26% of cases involved vaping THC or cannabis products, the highest category overall. These statistics highlight just how widespread vaping behaviors have become among teens in our communities.

As caregivers, parents, and mentors, it’s not always easy to know how to start a conversation about vaping. You might worry about saying the wrong thing, being too harsh, or pushing your teen away. The truth is, your voice matters more than you may realize. Teens who feel supported and understood are far less likely to engage in risky behaviors, including vaping.

Here are some ways to open the conversation with care, compassion, and confidence.

1. Start with Curiosity, Not Criticism

It’s natural to feel alarmed but try to begin the conversation from a place of curiosity. Ask open-ended questions like:

• “What have you heard about vaping?”
• “Do a lot of people at school do it?”
• “What do you think about it?”

This approach shows you’re interested in understanding your teen’s world, not judging it. You might be surprised by how much they already know and how much misinformation they’ve heard.

2. Stay Calm and Listen

If your teen admits to trying vaping, take a deep breath before reacting. Getting angry or panicked can shut down communication. Making them less likely to come to you in the future. Instead, listen closely and validate their honesty. You can say something like:

• “I appreciate you telling me that. It’s not easy to talk about things like this, and I’m glad you trust me.”

Then, you can share accurate information about the health risks, especially how nicotine affects the developing brain and how vaping products can contain harmful chemicals, even when they’re labeled as “nicotine-free.”

3. Focus on Health and Empowerment

Rather than framing vaping as a moral issue or a rule to follow, connect it to your teen’s goals and well-being.

• How might vaping affect their athletic performance, focus, or energy?
• How could quitting, or never starting, help them feel more in control of their choices?

Teens respond better when they feel empowered to make informed decisions, not when they feel shamed or scared into compliance.

4. Keep the Door Open

One talk isn’t enough. Make sure your teen knows this is an ongoing conversation, not a one-time lecture. Check in periodically and offer to be a resource if they ever feel pressured or curious about vaping again. The more approachable you are, the more likely they’ll reach out before experimenting.

5. Know When to Get Support

If you suspect your teen is struggling to quit or using vaping to cope with anxiety, depression, or social stress, professional help can make a big difference.

At Nicasa, we know these conversations can feel tough, but you don’t have to handle them alone. Our team offers education, prevention resources, and compassionate support for both teens and caregivers to navigate these challenges together.

You’re Not Just Talking, You’re Guiding

When you open up honest, judgment-free conversations about vaping, you’re doing more than addressing a health risk. You’re showing your teen that they can turn to you with anything. That trust is one of the most powerful tools you have as a caregiver, and it can make all the difference in their lifelong well-being.

We’re Here for You

If you, or a loved one, is experiencing concerns with substance use, mental health, and/or other challenges, please contact Nicasa Behavioral Health Services at 847-546-6450 or email info@nicasa.org.