Vaping in general is not really the big issue, for example the safest and most cost effective way to take some medication is through a vaporiser. (I am prescribed medicine to use with one)

The big issue is the toxic mystery liquid that is being inhaled with unknown amoumts of harmful chemicals.

It’s unlikely they will stop as long as they are hanging around the same social group, so I’d suggest buying them a herbal vape liquid that is all natural, organic, GMO free then at least it is reducing the harm for them and their friends.

This may help them to come down from nicotine addiction too if they have been using vapes containing nicotine.

It might also help to speak to the other kid’s parents too and see if they’re aware. Maybe you could work as a team?

What’s even more concerning is how your son is able to get access to vapes- I thought they had the same restrictions on them as cigarettes? Maybe get him to do some community service in a cancer ward or helping someone who has emphysema, so that he can see the repurcussions.

Maybe on the moment tat it start to effect his ability to perform in sports he will start thinking. Personally I think that all the preaching can have a negative effect and drives a wedge between you and your child. More then anything I would focus on keeping the communication open and let him know you love him to pieces.

Sounds harsh but I would tell him he is welcome to continue vaping to look cool in front of his friends, but that he’ll be sorry when he is no longer an “elite sportsman” because he can’t run without getting out of breath. That he should decide what is more important to him, his health & sporting potential or “being cool.” Everyone who ever smoked thought it made them look cool until they couldn’t do the things everyone else could anymore.

I would also be questioning where he is getting the money to buy vapes. If it is lunch money – take it away and make him pack his own. If it’s from a job, have a conversation about how he shouldn’t be working at all if he isn’t mature enough to make sensible decisions about where he spends his money.

Communication and education are the keys to children having knowledge about what particular choices do to their brains and bodies.

Get the school involved by asking them to find a incursion visit from the health department. Get the school to have the kids watch videos of Vaping and hazards and real footage of people with mouth problems caused by vapes that have blown up in the mouth. See “Gruesome photos show a man who lost teeth, split his tongue and feared he would burn alive after his e-cigarette exploded in his mouth.” See many many people with shattered teeth, burnt mouths, lips, chins and having to have mouth reconstruction and having to live with deformities’. Google it. Kids have the attitude it won’t happen to me. Any hospital will tell them different nurses and doctors see his everyday all over the World.

He’s probably not going to listen to you. Try to find someone he thinks is “cool” and get them to talk to him about it.

It so hard sometimes to get a teenager to listen. How is he buying them/paying for them? All you can do is keep him educated. Show him any news items of teenagers with side effects etc. Talking about confidence is another thing, not having to do what his friends do but be his own person.

Vaping is safer then cigarettes, as long as the liquid is bought from a reputable source. He’s a teen, he’ll most likely grow out of it

What would be most important is to keep the communication open.
Say things like, “Tell me more about what led you to vape.” and “What are some of the reasons?” Let them know you are concerned about their vape use becoming more frequent, but try to encourage them to keep talking by asking open-ended, non-judgmental questions.
Don’t underestimate group pressure, or the longing from our kids to belong.
I don’t believe that discipline or punishment would help.

In the end kids will be kids and sometimes you just can’t stop them however I agree with some of the suggestions below, perhaps book a visit to the dentist and the GP and see if you can have a conversation with them prior to the appointment and get the professionals on board. See if there is a smoking helpline you can call to get some further advice on how you might be able to tackle this. Good luck

A great idea around this is to make an appointment with your dentist. Explain to your dentist that your child is vaping and you want them to stop. Ask the dentist to ask your child if they are vaping and to say they can tell they are vaping and it’s ruining their teeth and gums and they will loose their teeth if they don’t stop. You can make sure you are not in the room with the dentist so the child will feel more comfortable opening up with the dentist.

GP advice and referral to services that provide information and resources on quitting vaping/smoking is always a good idea.

If it is any consolation, its illegal now to sell the flavouring vape liquid. A friend of mine used to vape and she went to buy a replacement cartridge, and the store owner said that they don’t sell anymore.
You can read more information here.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-07-01/vapes-ban-quit-health-nicotine-pharmacy/104030408

You could try a GP explaining how damaging it is to his lungs. Seeing the effects it can have on people might shock him out of it. And this is assuming it’s a flavoured liquid or nicotine. It’s tricky, he might be at the rebellious age where he feels invincible and stubborn. Do you have any idea where he/the friends are getting them from? They should be banned unless prescribed.