Counsellors’ Corner: Understanding a dangerous growing trend-counsellors-corner-understanding-a-dangerous-growing-trend-Nord Anglia Education
WRITTEN BY
St Andrews Bangkok
04 November, 2019

Counsellors’ Corner: Understanding a dangerous growing trend

Counsellors’ Corner: Understanding a dangerous growing trend-counsellors-corner-understanding-a-dangerous-growing-trend-flavoredvapesblog
Counsellors’ Corner: Understanding a dangerous growing trend Vaping, also known as JUULing, is becoming more popular with students in high schools across the globe. Our counsellors share information on understanding this dangerous and growing trend.

Vaping, also known as JUULing, is becoming more popular with students in high schools across the globe. Our counsellors share information on understanding this dangerous and growing trend.

Vaping and teens 

Important information for parents on the global growing trend in vaping.

Vaping, also known as JUULing, is becoming more popular with Students in high schools across the globe. Vaping means using an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or other vaping device. It is referred to as vaping because tiny puffs or clouds of vapor are produced when using the devices. E-cigarettes are battery powered and deliver nicotine through a liquid (called e-juice), which turns into a vapor when using the devices. The liquid comes in flavors, such as mint, fruit, and bubble gum, which appeal to kids. Teens often believe that the liquid used in vaping only contains water and flavoring and are unaware that it contains nicotine. Therefore, they may think vaping is less dangerous than using other tobacco products, such as cigarettes. The amount of nicotine in the liquid can be the same or even more than the amount found in cigarettes.

Many types of e-cigarettes are available, but one popular brand is JUUL. JUUL is becoming more prevalent with teens in high schools because of its small size, and it looks like a USB device. When using a JUUL it is often referred to as JUULing.

Excellent short Video that describes different Vape Products 

Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, and no amount of nicotine is safe. Nicotine is very addictive and can harm children and teens’ developing brains. Using nicotine can cause problems with learning and attention and can lead to addiction. Even being around others who use e-cigarettes and breathing the cloud they exhale can expose youth to nicotine and chemicals that can be dangerous to their health. Studies have also shown that kids who vape are more likely to use cigarettes or other tobacco products later in life.

Students may also experiment with other substance-using Vape; there are a growing number of products on the market that now have the ability to use cannabis and it's very hard to detect as the smell and the usual paraphernalia is not present. It's really important that parents and school try to keep students aware of these dangers and risks.

This type of Vape Pen is used to vape cannabis (THC) cartridges 

THE LAW: THAI EMBASSY IN LONDON PRESS RELEASE

While electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes are used around the world as a way of helping people quit smoking, travellers coming to Thailand should be aware that these devices are, in fact, illegal in the kingdom. Many may ask why a device designed to aid people in quitting the habit is being banned in Thailand. The ban was introduced in 2014 by the Thai Government for health reasons and because electronic cigarettes were luring young people into smoking. 

Anyone found breaking this law by using an electronic cigarette – or vaping – in Thailand could be arrested and face jail time, or a fine several times the value of the illegal item(s). This applies to both foreigners and Thais. There have been recent incidents of foreign travellers who were unaware of the ban facing an on-the-spot fine or being arrested. 

How to Talk with your Teen about Vaping

Teen Question: Why don’t you want me to Vape? 

  • Science shows that e-cigarettes contain ingredients that are addictive and could harm different parts of your body.

  • Right now, your brain is still developing, which means you are more vulnerable to addiction. Many e-cigarettes contain nicotine, and using nicotine can change your brain to make you crave more nicotine. It can also affect your memory and concentration. I don’t want that for you! 

Quick Links

Please get in touch with your child’s Head of Year or the counsellors if you have any concerns or questions. Preventive sessions are happening across the high school to help our students understand the risks and consequences of vaping and to give them the information to make healthy choices.