Whānau have an important role to play

In New Zealand vaping is only recommended as a way to quit smoking, and is not for young people. Parents, whānau and community can support young people to make critical decisions.
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In developing Protect Your Breath, we heard that we all have a role to play to help young people build confidence, access useful information and to feel supported by their communities in the decisions they make.
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In response, Protect Your Breath provides useful information about the impact vaping can have, without judgement, to support critical thinking and decision making.
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Together we can encourage young people to reflect on their values, culture, strengths, goals, aspirations and the things they really care about - helping them build confidence in the choices they make.
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The resources we’ve created help whānau and communities signal that you are creating a vapefree environment, and have conversations with the young people in your life about the impacts of vaping.

Tips to help your conversation

• Know the facts The Health New Zealand website has information and research about vaping in Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Avoid misconceptions 

  There’s a lot of information about vaping out there, and some of it isn’t true. Work together to make sense of what you’ve both heard, and clear up any misconceptions.
• Stay open 

  Approach the conversation with curiosity, not judgement. Ask how your young person feels about vaping. What do they already know about it? Where are they getting their information from?
• Listen 

  Some young people vape to relieve stress, to socialise, or just because they’re curious. Creating space for them to express themselves allows you to understand what’s going on for them.
• Be clear about what you expect 

  People who do not smoke should not start vaping, and vaping isn’t for young people. Share what is important to you and your family, and why.

It’s good to talk about the risks associated with vaping including the impacts of nicotine addiction on a young person’s future, health and relationships. It’s also important to understand the reasons why a young person might vape.

Open honest conversations and clear expectations will help you navigate the topic of vaping with the young people in your life.