Talking with Your Child About Vaping

Helping your child navigate vaping, nicotine, and peer pressure.

Many parents aren’t sure when, or how, to talk with their child about vaping. You may wonder if bringing it up will make your child more curious, or whether they’re already hearing about it from friends, social media, or older students. These conversations don’t need to be perfect or happen all at once. Small conversations over time can make a big difference.

This guide shows you how to start conversations early, lead with curiosity, talk about peer pressure, focus on decision-making and not just rules, and keep the door open. It also includes a “Try This Tonight” starter and when to seek extra support. If you think your child may already be vaping, see the companion guide, When You’re Concerned About Vaping.

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Free PDF guide · 4 pages — Cover of Cartwheel’s Parent Guide Series guide Talking with Your Child About Vaping

A preview of the guide. Complete the form to download the full guide.

Frequently asked questions

What if my child says everyone is vaping?

It can sometimes feel that way, but not everyone vapes. Acknowledge what they’re seeing while helping them understand that many young people choose not to vape.

What does it mean if my child is vaping?

Curiosity is a normal part of growing up. As children get older, they are exposed to more information, more influences, and more opportunities to make decisions independently. Learning how to navigate peer influence, risk-taking, and new experiences is part of growing up—and one reason these conversations matter.

Many young people hear about vaping from friends, social media, or older students before they hear about it from adults they trust. Talking about vaping doesn’t increase the likelihood that your child will try it. In fact, open conversations can help your child feel more prepared to navigate situations they may encounter.

When should a parent or caregiver seek additional support?

A parent or caregiver should seek additional support when:

Your child is spending time with peers who regularly vape.
You are concerned about increasing pressure or risk-taking.
You feel unsure how to approach these conversations.

Your child’s school, pediatrician, or mental health provider may be able to offer additional guidance and support.

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Additional resources on this topic

Parent guide

When You’re Concerned About Vaping

Understanding vaping and how to respond with support. See what you might notice, what help can look like at home, and when to seek extra support.

Download the guide

Family guide

Understanding Vaping: What Families Should Know

A family-friendly guide to vaping, nicotine, and healthy decision-making. Get the facts, bust common myths, and find questions to talk about together.

Download the guide

Webinar on demand

Talking to Teens About Substance Use: What Parents Should Know

Hear Amy McCarthy Baluch, LICSW, Director of Social Work for Adolescent Substance Use and Addiction at Boston Children’s Hospital, on how to approach tough conversations about substance use in a way that builds trust. Learn what parents can watch for, how to talk with middle schoolers and high schoolers, and what to do if you discover your child is using.

Watch the webinar

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