Let’s cover the tricky scenario first. If a youth indicates they are not interested in changing, your goal as a supportive adult is to help them come to realize that their vaping is causing more harm than good. However, simply telling them that isn’t helpful. Instead, you can ask questions to build rapport, learn their perspective and raise awareness of risks, challenges, and alternatives.

Remember, nobody’s expecting you to be an expert on vaping. That’s where our handy list of resources comes in! 

For youth who are not-quite-ready to change and who may need more information about the risks of vaping, we recommend NotAnExperiment.ca. Created by Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit and maintained in partnership with Ontario Public Health Units, this website is a one-stop-shop for vaping education. It covers the full body health effects of vaping, the negative effect that vaping has on mental health, and the sneaky ways the tobacco industry has shifted gears to specifically target youth.  It also acknowledges the social pressure aspect of vaping and offers practical advice on how to resist.

For youth who are interested in change, there are supports available! Talking to a trusted ally like you is a great start, but it’s also important to know where you can refer youth to additional support for their quit journey.