An e-cigarette also known as a vap pen or hookah pen is a cigarette shaped canister used to simulate the sensation of smoking. A liquid filled cartridge is heated and releases vapour. First developed as a smoking cessation aid, this product has gain popularity with our teens. E-cigarettes are not regulated and Health Canada warns that they may pose health risks when vaped with or without nicotine.
E-cigarettes (external link) round out the top 5 substances used by teens in Ontario, ahead of tobacco cigarettes, waterpipes and smokeless tobacco. Use significantly increases with grade level, grade 11 students (16.1%) and grade 12 students (16.9%) are more likely to use e-cigarettes.
Talk to your kids (external link) about the harmful effects of e-cigarettes and create a smokeless environment.
Talking to your teen about tobacco
It’s never too early or late to start a conversation about smoking or tobacco products, like chewing tobacco. As their parent, you are the most influential person in your children's' lives – even when they are teens.
- Talk about the dangers of tobacco use.
- Be a positive role model and don’t smoke or use tobacco.
- Create a tobacco-free environment.
- If you do smoke or use tobacco, try to quit.
Read more about talking to teens about tobacco at the HaltonParents blog (external link).
Young people underestimate the power of nicotine addiction. It's a fact that 90% of youth still smoking by age 19 will become long-term smokers. Halton Region offers resources to help people quit smoking: