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This note comes from Mistlift, a plain-language guide for parents and educators to what kids are into online.

A note for families: Vaping

Watch Ages 12-17 Last checked May 7, 2026

What it is

Vaping is common among teens, and a Université Laval study of nearly 7,000 Québec students found that dependence is the barrier teens who want to quit mention most often.

How much it matters

Real but nuanced. Usually fine; it depends on the kid and how they use it.

Should you worry?

Many teens who try to quit vaping run into real obstacles, and researchers found that dependence is the one they mention most, ahead of friends who vape. That means a teen who keeps vaping may not be shrugging it off: they may have tried to stop and found it harder than expected. Possible signs include irritability or restlessness, slipping away often to vape, a sweet or fruity smell, and using more than before. Stay calm, ask before you assume, and treat quitting as a health matter, not a discipline one. Offer to look into help together, such as your family doctor, a pharmacist or the school nurse. Punishment tends to push it out of sight.

What to say

“I read that a lot of teens who want to stop vaping find it really hard, and that's not a weakness, it's how dependence works. I'm not here to punish you or lecture you. If you or a friend ever wants to cut back or quit, I'd like to help you figure it out.”

If you’re worried

If your teen wants to quit, start with your family doctor, a pharmacist or the school nurse, who can suggest support suited to their age. Kids Help Phone is there for teens at 1-800-668-6868 or by texting 686868. If your teen has trouble breathing or feels very unwell, call 911. If they talk about hurting themselves, call or text 988.

Sources

Read the full card, and share it, at mistlift.app/cards/vaping