Vaping and Teens in Brampton: What Parents Can Do

A sweet, fruity smell drifts from your teen’s bedroom. A small device that looks like a USB stick turns up in the laundry. Or perhaps your child mentions casually that “everyone” at school vapes. For many parents, vaping is a topic they know less about than their teenagers do, and that can make it hard to know where to start.

Vaping products, also called e-cigarettes or vapes, heat a liquid into an aerosol that is inhaled. Many contain nicotine, sometimes in high amounts. They come in many flavours and sleek designs that can be easy to hide. Health Canada has expressed concern about vaping among young people and the risk of nicotine addiction.

This article explains the basics of vaping, why it matters for teens, and practical ways to approach the subject at home. Our pharmacists at Pharmasave BramNorth on Dewside Drive in Brampton can also help teens and parents explore quit options when the time comes.

What is actually in a vape

Vaping liquids typically contain a mixture of propylene glycol and glycerol, flavourings and, in many cases, nicotine. When heated, these produce an aerosol that is inhaled into the lungs. The aerosol may also contain other chemicals formed during heating, as well as tiny metal particles from the device.

Not every vape contains nicotine, but many do, and some contain levels comparable to or higher than a pack of cigarettes in a single pod or disposable device. Labels are not always clear, and teens may not know how much nicotine they are inhaling. Some young people also vape cannabis products, which carry their own risks.

Health Canada’s vaping information page explains the risks of vaping and is a good reference for parents.

Why the teenage brain is especially vulnerable

The brain continues developing into the mid-twenties. During adolescence, it is particularly sensitive to nicotine. Nicotine exposure during this time can lead to addiction more quickly than in adults and may affect attention, learning and mood.

Many teens believe they can stop whenever they want. In reality, nicotine dependence can develop quickly, and withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, trouble concentrating, cravings and difficulty sleeping can make quitting harder than expected. Some teens find themselves vaping first thing in the morning, sneaking out of class to vape, or feeling on edge when they cannot.

Health effects to know about

Research on the long-term effects of vaping is still developing, since these products have not been around as long as cigarettes. However, known and possible risks include:

• Nicotine addiction, as described above.
• Lung irritation, which may cause coughing, wheezing or worsening of asthma symptoms.
• Exposure to chemicals that are not safe to inhale.
• Serious lung injury, which has been reported in some people who vape, particularly with certain products.
• Accidental poisoning, since vaping liquids containing nicotine can be very harmful if swallowed by young children or pets.
• Device injuries, as batteries can occasionally overheat or catch fire.

Vaping is not harmless water vapour, despite how it is sometimes described.

Signs your teen might be vaping

Vaping can be hard to detect. Devices are small and the aerosol disappears quickly. Possible signs include:

• Unfamiliar small devices, pods, chargers or USB-like items.
• Sweet or fruity smells without an obvious source.
• Increased thirst or nosebleeds, which some people experience.
• Irritability, restlessness or difficulty concentrating, which may reflect nicotine withdrawal.
• Spending money without explanation.
• Coughing or throat clearing.

None of these confirms vaping on its own. They are reasons to start a conversation, not to accuse.

How to start the conversation

Teens are more likely to listen when they feel respected rather than lectured. Some tips:

• Educate yourself first. Learn the basics so you can speak with confidence.
• Pick a relaxed moment. Seeing an advertisement or passing someone vaping can open a natural conversation.
• Ask open-ended questions. “What do you think about vaping?” or “Do lots of kids at your school vape?”
• Listen without reacting. If your teen admits to vaping, stay calm. Strong reactions may shut the conversation down.
• Share facts, not scare tactics. Teens often dismiss exaggerated warnings. Focus on accurate information about addiction and health.
• Talk about marketing. Discuss how flavours and designs are used to appeal to young people.
• Be honest about your own history. If you smoked or vaped, share what you learned.

Expect this to be a series of conversations, not a single talk. Short, regular check-ins often work better than one long, serious discussion. If a conversation goes badly, it is fine to come back later and say, “I didn’t handle that the way I wanted to. Can we try again?” Showing that you can stay calm and admit mistakes models the kind of honest communication you hope to get from your teen in return.

Rules, laws and expectations at home

In Ontario, it is illegal to sell or supply vaping products to anyone under 19. Vaping is also prohibited on school property. Despite these rules, many teens obtain products through friends, older siblings or online.

Set clear expectations at home, such as no vaping in the house or car, and explain your reasons. Be consistent. If you vape or smoke, consider how your behaviour affects your teen, and think about quitting yourself. Keeping vaping liquids and devices out of reach of younger children and pets is essential, since swallowing liquid nicotine can be very dangerous. If a child swallows vaping liquid, call the Ontario Poison Centre at 1-800-268-9017, or 911 if they are unwell.

Supporting a teen who wants to quit

If your teen wants to quit, that is a huge step. Recognise their courage. Quitting can be difficult, and slips are common. Some approaches that may help:

• Set a quit date and plan for it.
• Identify triggers, such as stress, certain friends, boredom or after meals, and plan alternatives.
• Reduce access by removing devices and avoiding places where vaping is common.
• Find substitutes, like chewing sugar-free gum, going for a walk or using a stress ball.
• Manage withdrawal with good sleep, regular meals and physical activity.
• Use support services. Youth-focused quit programs and texting services can help.

Nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches, gum or lozenges, is used by adults to manage withdrawal. Whether it is appropriate for a teen depends on several factors. A pharmacist or doctor can discuss options; do not start a teen on nicotine replacement without professional advice.

If your teen is not ready to quit

Not every teen who vapes is ready to stop, and pushing too hard can lead to secrecy rather than change. If your teen says they are not interested in quitting right now, keep the relationship strong and the conversation open. Ask what they like about vaping and what they do not like. Many young people, when asked, will admit they dislike feeling dependent, spending money on pods or getting short of breath during sports.

Those mixed feelings are a starting point. Reflect them back without judgement: “It sounds like you enjoy it with your friends, but you hate needing it before class.” Over time, teens who feel heard are more likely to consider change on their own terms.

Meanwhile, focus on safety. Encourage your teen to buy only regulated products rather than unknown devices from friends or online sellers, never to modify devices, to charge batteries safely and never overnight on a bed, and to keep all liquids away from younger siblings. Let them know your door is open whenever they want help, and check in again in a few weeks.

How pharmacists can help

Our pharmacists can talk with teens and parents about the effects of nicotine, withdrawal symptoms and strategies for quitting. We can discuss whether quit-smoking aids may be suitable and when to involve a doctor. Learn more on our smoking cessation page, and ask whether a consultation is suitable for your teen’s age and situation.

If your teen takes other medicines, quitting nicotine can sometimes affect them, and a pharmacist can check. A medication review, where eligible, provides a dedicated time to go through all medicines and health products.

Helping teens handle stress without vaping

Many young people say they vape to cope with stress or anxiety. Unfortunately, nicotine dependence can make anxiety worse over time, since withdrawal between doses feels like stress. Helping your teen find other ways to cope may make quitting easier and more lasting.

Encourage physical activity, time outdoors, creative outlets and connection with supportive friends. Talk about the pressures your teen faces, and if you notice signs of anxiety or low mood, our article on supporting teen mental health offers guidance and resources. Kids Help Phone at kidshelpphone.ca also provides confidential support for young people.

Reach out to our team

Whether you are worried your teen might be vaping or your teen is ready to quit, our pharmacists can help you take the next step. We welcome questions from parents and young people alike, and we treat every conversation with discretion.

Find us at Pharmasave BramNorth, 25 & 26 - 2 Dewside Drive, Brampton, ON L6R 3Y5. Call (905) 792-7333, see our contact page for details, or set up a private consultation using our booking page.

This article provides general information about vaping and young people. Talk to a pharmacist, doctor or other healthcare provider for advice about quitting or about your teen’s health.