You may have seen those sleek, colorful vape pens or heard your teen mention THC (the active compound in marijuana). While it may seem harmless or even trendy, the reality is that both vaping and THC come with serious risks—especially for young people.
Why It's a Big Deal
Vaping has become incredibly popular in recent years, and THC products are now more accessible than ever. We're seeing an increase in incidences of vaping right here at TSD that has forced us to take some action steps to reduce opportunities for this to happen by locking down and restricting public bathroom use to specific areas that can be closely supervised. This is not good news. Vaping and using THC products are not safe. Vaping and THC products can both have major impacts on teen health—both physical and mental.
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Vaping: Most vape pens contain nicotine, which is highly addictive. Even without nicotine, the chemicals used in vape liquids can damage the lungs. Recent studies show vaping can cause lung injuries, breathing problems, and even long-term respiratory diseases.
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THC: While marijuana may seem natural, today’s THC products are much stronger than what you might remember from decades ago. For teens, regular THC use can impair brain development, affecting memory, learning, and even motivation.
What Parents Are Seeing
You might not always catch your teen vaping or using THC, but here are some signs to watch for:
- Behavior changes: Is your teen suddenly acting more withdrawn, anxious, or moody?
- Decline in grades: THC use can affect concentration and motivation, leading to struggles in school.
- New smells: Vapes often come in fruity or sweet scents, unlike the usual smell of cigarettes or marijuana.
- Physical symptoms: Look for unexplained coughs, shortness of breath, or red, bloodshot eyes.
Why Teens Are Drawn to It
Teens often feel like vaping and THC are "safer" alternatives to smoking or other drugs. Plus, there’s a lot of peer pressure and misinformation on social media. Many don’t realize that they’re putting their health at risk or that vaping and using THC can be a slippery slope to addiction.
How to Start the Conversation
Talking to teens about these issues can feel awkward, but it’s important to open the dialogue. Here are some tips:
- Keep it casual: Approach the topic in a non-judgmental way. Ask them what they know or what they’ve seen at school.
- Share facts: Teens might not know the dangers. Talk to them about how vaping can damage their lungs or how THC affects brain development.
- Listen: Your teen may have their own experiences or concerns. Make sure to listen to their perspective.
How We Can Help
Our school offers resources for both students and parents. If you’re concerned about your teen or just want more information, feel free to reach out to the counseling team. We’re here to provide guidance, support, and resources to help families navigate this important issue.
Let’s work together to ensure our teens are making healthy, informed choices. If you have questions or need to talk, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help!