Helping Families Navigate Nicotine
Parents and caregivers are committed to keeping kids safe. When it comes to tobacco and nicotine, the bottom line is there is no safe tobacco product for children. Whether your child is using nicotine and you’re looking for ways to help them, or you're having conversations about the importance staying nicotine-free, our resources can help.
"Nic Sick"
"Nic Sick" is teen jargon for nicotine poisoning. It has been a concerning recent trend on social media for youth to purposely ingest too much nicotine. Nicotine poisoning can be serious.
If you or your child may have nicotine poisoning, contact Poison Control immediately: 1.800.222.1222.
For more information, visit: https://ndpoison.org/prevention/common-poison-info/tobacco-products-ecigarettes/
For information regarding national data trends on nicotine poisoning, visit https://poisoncenters.org/track/ecigarettes-liquid-nicotine.
“Nic Sick: The Dangers of Youth Vaping” is a documentary about teens in an Idaho community who are struggling to overcome addiction to nicotine and vapes. Watch the documentary on this PBS page.
How to Talk to Your Child About Nicotine
Youth nicotine use rates in North Dakota exceed the national average. Conversations about the harms of nicotine should start early—there is no such thing as too soon. Parents Lead offers great tips to talk to your child.
To prevent a conversation about tobacco from turning into an argument:
- Know the facts about tobacco products
- Try to understand why they may be curious.
- Stay calm, avoid lecturing or using scare tactics, and listen without judgment.
- Offer strategies for handling tough social situations.
- Give them an “exit option” by letting them text you if they feel pressured.
- Acknowledge their openness and thank them for talking with you.
- Keep the conversation ongoing—short, light check-ins are more effective than long talks.
What to Do If Your Child is Using Nicotine
It’s common for youth to underestimate the harms of nicotine use. Because the adolescent brain doesn't fully develop until the mid-20's, youth who use nicotine may feel they are in control of their use, but in reality, may be strongly addicted. The resources below offer a variety of types of support:
- Conversation starters and talking tips from Parents Lead.
- A free one-hour interactive online module for parents and caregivers of those aged 8-20 years old about vaping from the American Lung Association.
- An online support system for concerned parents and caregivers called Parents Against Vaping.
- The 'Vaping Reality Check' is an online resource that can help identify how vaping may be affecting your child.
For Parents or Caregivers Who Struggle with Nicotine
Children often notice when actions and words don’t fully align, and many look to their parents or caregivers as role models as they grow. If you’re thinking about how to support your child in avoiding nicotine, or if you use nicotine yourself, having open, honest conversations can be a helpful starting point. Sharing what you’ve learned from your own experiences, including things you might do differently, can be meaningful for children to hear.
If quitting nicotine is a goal for you, know that it’s common for it to take more than one attempt, and support from a program or group can make a real difference. When children see the effort you’re making to improve your health, it can leave a positive impression and encourage them to make healthy choices of their own.