Vaping: What Every Parent Needs to Know

Think your teen isn’t vaping? Think again. The 2017 Pennsylvania Youth Survey found that nearly 30% of  12th graders used e-cigarettes within the last month. With e-cigarette advertising exposure largely unchecked and a common belief that e-cigarettes are “safe,” parents need information on vaping now more than ever. Breathe Pennsylvania is partnering with local schools to provide education to parents about the alarming trend of e-cigarette use. In the sessions, parents can expect to learn:

  • Terminology associated with e-cigarette use
  • How e-cigarettes work
  • What the devices look like
  • How devices may be concealed
  • Signs of nicotine withdrawal
  • How to help your child quit

Upcoming Workshops

Thursday, May 16, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Shaler Area Middle School
1810 Mt. Royal Boulevard
Glenshaw, PA 15116 

Shaler Area School District will host a parent and community education event, “Vaping, Addiction & Your Child,” to share information and resources about vaping, addiction, and how they affect children and adults.

A vendor and resource fair offering a variety of local and state resources for individuals looking for specific information about vaping, addiction, prevention, treatment and support begins at 6:30 p.m.

The speaker series will begin at 7 p.m. with a presentation from Rebecca Kishlock, director of tobacco cessation and education programs for Breathe Pennsylvania, on “The Vaping Epidemic.” Ms. Kishlock will present information every parent should know about vaping. She will outline what devices looks like and how they work as well as their dangers, how they can be misused, and how they can be concealed.

Dr. C. Thomas Brophy, a Shaler Area graduate who specializes in emergency and addiction medicine, will present “The Truth about Addiction” starting at 8 p.m. to talk about how the teen brain works, how addiction occurs, and various recovery and treatment options. 

Between the speaking sessions, participants will have the opportunity to explore Teen Scene: Hidden in Plain Sight, which includes a display of items from a mock teen’s room that may indicate substance abuse or other risky behaviors. Parents and community members can test their skills at identifying drug paraphernalia, signs of drug abuse, and stealth hiding places.

 All workshops are open to the public and registration is not required. For more information, call 724-772-1750.

Previous Workshops

Monday, March 25 – 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Greater Latrobe Senior High School Auditorium
131 High School Road
Latrobe,PA 15650

Wednesday, March 27 – 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Homer Center High School Auditorium
70 Wildcat Lane
Homer City, PA 15748

The Homer City workshop is presented in conjunction with Indiana County District Attorney Patrick Dougherty.