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It is a good idea to start talking to your kids in elementary school about this issue.
  1. Educate yourself first. Get the facts on these products so you know what you’re talking about when you approach the discussion with your kids.
  2. Be a role model. Parents are responsible for shaping many of their children’s ideas and behaviors, so set the tone with your own actions.
  3. Establish a safe environment where your kids can talk about their feelings and opinions without feeling judged.
  4. Really listen and let them tell you what they know.
  5. It can sometimes be helpful to give them something to read that you can then discuss together.
  6. Help them figure out ways to handle situations where they may be pressured to engage in these behaviors.
  7. Create a plan, even specific things for them to say like, “I have asthma and my doctor says I could become very ill if I try this,” or, “I just don’t think it looks cool.”
  8. Help them understand that using willpower to stand up to peers is really hard, but willpower is like a muscle — the more you use it, the stronger it gets.
  9. Advocate for zero-tolerance policies in schools.
  10. Get involved in the Tobacco 21 movement, which aims to increase the legal age for purchasing tobacco products to 21.
Other resources
How to talk with your kids
What parents should know
Facts for parents
Dangers of e-cigs, vaping and Juuls