On April 20, families gathered at New Rochelle High School for this month’s Parents Academy workshop on the dangers of vaping. The Spanish-language workshop was led by former New Rochelle High student Nicolette Loaiza (Class of 2015), who works as a Student Assistance Counselor at Peekskill Middle School. She was supported by Pina Palmisano, New Rochelle High School’s Student Assistance Counselor, her intern Taylor Quinn (New Rochelle High Class of 2014) and Dylan Sadow, New Rochelle High’s Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) Co-President and Advanced Placement Spanish student.
The hands-on workshop allowed parents to explore the different vaping devices and how they operate. This would make it easier for families to recognize them if their teens brought them home. They also discussed the dangers and health impact of vaping nicotine and marijuana, and also marijuana edibles.
Loaiza shared the reasons students might experiment with vaping and how families can introduce healthy options for addressing anxiety to avoid forming a habit. Finally, families learned strategies for speaking with their children about vaping and how they can empower their children to overcome peer pressure. Families walked away feeling they had learned a lot about the newest smoking trend and like they had the skills to open up a dialogue with their teens.
For more information please reach out to Pina Palmisano at ppalmisano@nredlearn.org, and review the strategies here:
- Prepare yourself with the facts: It's important to familiarize yourself with how the e-cigarettes and vape pens are being used (flavored, nicotine, and marijuana) and the risks associated with each.
- Have conversations: Find opportunities to discuss vaping with your child(ren). The conversations can present themselves in a variety of ways: letters from school or the Code of Conduct covering the vaping policy, vaping advertisements, passing someone who is vaping, or when you're in a store that sells vapes. Frame the conversation with the intentions of listening and not lecturing. Ask open-ended questions like, "What do you think about vaping?"
- Try to understand why: The majority of young people start vaping out of curiosity, because of the flavors, smoking tricks, to fit in with peers, etc. After time, vaping can become a habit if it's used for other needs, like alleviating boredom or anxiety. Some teens keep vaping to prevent the symptoms of withdrawal. Ask your child, "What do you enjoy about vaping?" or "How do you feel when you are vaping?" The answers will indicate the needs that should be met in a healthier manner.
- Communicate your expectations: Establish clear expectations. Communicate your understanding of the risks, and also why a person might want to vape. Share why you don't want your child vaping. If you decide to impose consequences, make sure to carry them out, while reinforcing healthier options.
- Role-play saying no: If you have a younger teen or pre-teen, it would be useful to show them how to combat peer pressure and refuse offers to vape and/or participate in other unwanted activities. Ask your child, " What would you say if someone asked you to vape?" Pay close attention to how your child manages the situation.
- Be a good example: Be a good example by not smoking or vaping. If you do vape, keep your gear secure and away from children.