Several national surveys confirm that e-cigarettes are now more popular among teenagers than traditional cigarettes. It is now estimated that 4.6 million teens use tobacco and with the launch of the popular e-cigarettes, has led to 400,000 more young people using nicotine.
Electronic cigarettes are battery-operated devices that look like a traditional cigarette. The device heats a nicotine-laced fluid, which becomes a vapor that the user inhales.
E-cigarettes are attractively designed and nicotine-laced fluid is available in many different flavors–aspects appealing to teens. Many believe that the vapor of e-cigarettes is less damaging to the lungs and believe the devices may be useful for helping some smokers give up traditional cigarettes, but the jury is still out.
READ MORE: THE ANGEL THAT HELPED ME QUIT SMOKING
How can you help your teen daughter or granddaughter make the right and safe choice not to smoke?
1) Be her role model.
Teens are more likely to start smoking if their parents smoke. So if you smoke and don’t want your teen to pick up the habit, quit. Not only will she see you show her your dedication to quitting, but she’ll better grasp that undoing an addiction is not easy.
2) Set the rules.
If you don’t smoke, don’t allow it in your household. Set the rules. She listens to you even when you think otherwise. Your words matter.
3) Discuss the health risks.
When it comes to smoking and nicotine addiction, make your teen aware of the possibility of heart disease, COPD, emphysema, strokes and many types of lung cancer. Also, the discomfort of withdrawal includes anxiety, irritability, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, depression, frustration, anger, increased hunger, insomnia, constipation or diarrhea.
Remember, our teens watch what we do and listen to what we say. Make this the day to impact her life.
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
