How to talk to your kids about the dangers of vaping, as report finds almost one million have tried it this year

Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “A good time to start the conversation might be as you walk past a vape shop or see someone using one,” suggests Ruth Duckworth, parenting coach at Action for Children’s Parent Talk. “While the long-term effects of vaping are still largely unknown because there hasn’t been enough research into it, you can still talk about the short term effects, like headaches, throat and mouth irritation, and how they affect the lungs and breathing,” says Duckworth. “Practicing responses may help them say no in real life and let them know that it’s okay to walk away.” Work with schools “Schools and parents can work together by having schools share their vaping policy with parents,” explains Duckworth. “Some children may also feel embarrassed or feel like they can’t speak to someone at home about vaping, and so by speaking to a trusted adult at school – they may feel more comfortable to open up.” Seek help “If you’re worried about your child and need more advice, Action for Children has a free online 1:1 webchat and WhatsApp service, Parent Talk, where you can talk to trained parenting coaches for advice or support – search online for ‘Parent Talk’ or visit parent-talk.org.uk,” says Duckworth.