They reach for e‑cigarettes. Young students ignore all the warnings

They start as early as elementary school. They explain that they "switch" from regular cigarettes to e-cigarettes, thus falling into another addiction. "A million thoughts ran through my head. What did I do wrong?" - recalls Ewa, who found an e-cigarette hidden in her 12-year-old daughter's closet.

Because they are less toxic. Because everyone smokes. Because the internet and television are spreading misinformation about their harm. Young people are looking for reasons to justify reaching for e-cigarettes. And even though it is true that this area has not been fully researched, the preliminary conclusions of scientists are unequivocal. Electronic cigarettes - just like tobacco heaters - are also harmful to health, not much less than "regular" cigarettes.

In a study published in 2022 (available online in the National Library of Medicine. National Center of Biotechnology Information database), a group of scientists conducted experiments on mice. The results suggest that daily use of e-cigarettes containing high levels of nicotine salts for months or years "may cause inflammation in various organs, increasing the risk of diseases and poor health". But will young people change their minds, given that some of them have already become addicted to the substitute for "regular cigarettes"?

Ewa recalls how she found out about her daughter's addiction. That day she was cleaning up in the room of her 12-year-old daughter while the girl was at school. An electronic cigarette was found at the bottom of the closet under the clothes.

- Not only did this annoy me, but it also greatly disturbed me. My teenage daughter is reaching for drugs? I didn't expect her to think about such things at such a young age. A million thoughts popped into my head. What did I do wrong? Maybe it's peer pressure? Maybe she wants to fit in? Or maybe it's teenage rebellion? I didn't know how to discuss this with her - recalls a 38-year-old woman.

The conversation about the find took place right after the daughter returned home. Without hesitation, Kasia replied that the e-cigarette was not hers and was holding it for a classmate. Her mother didn't believe her. The conversation turned into an argument, during which the 12-year-old finally admitted she was smoking herself.

"I heard: 'Mom, I'm already an adult and I will do what I want, anyway... you smoke too!'. She left the room, slamming the door. I couldn't collect my thoughts. It is too early... How do I explain to her that it's unhealthy, that it's addictive, when, as she pointed out, I also smoke cigarettes... What kind of example am I setting?" - admitted Ewa.

Ms. Jola interacts daily with young people who use e-cigarettes. She admits that, unfortunately, this is a fairly common situation. The store of a popular chain where she works is located just by an elementary school. 

- It's terrifying. Currently, there's a trend for nicotine-free e-cigarettes, so they try to convince me that "it's not harmful" - he emphasizes.

What's worse, young people are resorting to various methods to purchase products. Jola says it's easier to verify during the week because she's aware that students from a nearby school are coming to her. The problems start on the weekend. Young people wear makeup, and dress differently to look older. - It's harder, but... it motivates me. I call these weekends the "dusting off IDs" operation - explains the cashier.

Makeup and changing clothes are not the only tricks that young people decide to use in order to purchase harmful products. Often, teenagers get into discussions with store employees.

- The most common comment is "yes, I understand, it's your duty". Those who don't have proofs, plead for mercy, on "forgetfulness", "because it's almost 5 PM and you're about to close".

Jola adds that she encounters the above behaviors not only when buying electronics, but also with all "forbidden" products. She mentions that some children from an early age do not have a good role model. After all, what can you expect from people whose parents also reach for cigarettes? The fact that there is a lack of proper education in schools, which includes presenting the harmful effects of, among others, e-cigarettes, does not help either.

Child psychologist Justyna Święcicka notes that children have easy access to many dangerous products. As she explains, e-cigarette cartridges can contain anything. This includes substances that can affect not only the brain but the whole body, especially when used daily.

So how do you talk to young people who often buy e-cigarettes because they follow their peers and fashion - destructive and dangerous? The psychologist emphasizes that a parent must prepare very thoroughly for such a conversation and be ready to listen to the child, not lecture him or her.

- A terrified, angry parent will not be effective. It's good to seek advice, for example, from the parent of another teenager. Then, you need to choose a calm moment, place and invite the child for an important conversation - advises Justyna Święcicka.

The specialist adds that a parent has the right to say that they do not agree with the teenager using e-cigarettes. They can emphasize that they will not spend their money on it.

- We need to remember to use rational arguments. Explain that the input has chemistry, we don't know its composition. These substances can have a significant impact on the nervous system and organs. Let's not scare, but present for example data from specific studies. Let's say that we are worried about the child's health - advises the expert.

It also warns not to tell your child about your youthful indiscretions at such a moment. This might create a loophole that youngsters may later use as an argument "Because mom smoked because dad drank".