2. Key Steps to Success

Two Key Steps to Success (ASK & ACT)

Remind yourself of these three little words before you get started, as they are key to meeting youth where they’re at and keeping them engaged in the conversation.

Calm, curious, and non-judgmental. 

Think conversation, not interrogation. 

To make this approach quick and easy for all Canadians who engage with youth, we recommend these two key steps to guide meaningful short brief conversations: 

ASK

If you know or suspect a young person is vaping, approach the topic gently with open-ended questions so that you can learn more about their thoughts on vaping and whether they are interested in quitting or making a change. For example: 

“I noticed you were vaping with some friends between classes. I’d like to know a bit more about that. Can you tell me how it started?”

“How is vaping helping or harming you?”

“What do you think about stopping or changing?”

Once you’ve used the power of “ASK” to understand the young person’s thoughts about vaping, you unlock the next step — ACT. 

ACT

What if They’re Ready (or Not)?

Make sure you’ve really, really listened during step one, as it affects how you ACT. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach!

“It sounds like you would like to change your vaping behaviour. I know of an app that can help get you started and provide additional support along the way. I’d like to check-in again with you next week. Would that be alright?”

They seem open to change

If the young person seems open to change, now is a good time to provide them with some information. There are apps, websites and people in their lives that can help them start a quit journey! 

OR

“It sounds like you don’t think vaping is a problem for you. I know that sports are important to you and continuing to vape may begin to impact your health and athletics.”


“Here’s a website where you can learn more about vaping and how it can affect your lungs and health. Would it be okay if I check-in with you next week after you’ve had a chance to check it out?”

They’re just not ready (yet)

Breakthroughs can take time

But let’s face it: change isn’t always easy. Some young people are just not ready to change their vaping behaviour (yet), but that doesn’t mean that your caring and supportive conversation stops here. 


In fact, this minor roadblock can be an opportunity to show the young person that you see them for who they are, and that you’re still a source of support for them in the future.

Keep those lines of communication open!   

Extra Credit

The skills you’re picking up in this Toolkit can apply any to situation where you engage with youth. Download these sample scripts and start imagining the impact you’ll make! 

We’d love to hear what you think

Take the short survey, lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Potenti egestas amet purus morbi.

What's next?

Section 3: Resources to Share

The toolkit provides resources for youth, whether they are interested in change (e.g., Quash, VAST) or not quite ready to change (e.g., Not an Experiment). 

The Brief Conversations Toolkit was made possible through a financial contribution from the Ontario Ministry of Education.

Share by: