AS a parent, you only want the best for your child and that also means stopping them from doing things that could harm them.
While vaping has been hailed as a tool to help smokers stub out, it’s not intended to be used by children.
GettyMany parents believe they would know if their child was vaping[/caption]
However, this hasn’t stopped them getting their hands on the products.
The Government’s chief medical officer, Chris Whitty, said Britain must crack down on the rise in children using the devices.
He said that while ‘vaping has an important role in helping smokers who are addicted to come off smoking’, it shouldn’t be marketed to children.
Now a new study has revealed that nearly half of parents say they would know if their child was vaping.
Experts at the University of Michigan quizzed 1,325 parents with kids aged 11-18.
The results showed that 67 per cent of parents believed they would know if their child vaped.
However, the experts said many parents are likely unaware that their child has used e-cigs.
They revealed the telltale signs that your child might have started the habit.
1. Mouth sores
Poll co-director Sarah Clark said vaping can be dangerous for teens because they are using nicotine and that can become addictive and damaging to their health.
The report states that vaping for an extended period of time can lead to visible physical signs.
One surprising way to find out if your child is using the products, is to see if they have any mouth sores.
“Irritants from the vapors can trigger the immune system, which may react with mouth sores and coughing,” the experts said.
2. Under eye circles
Because of a chemical in the e-liquid called propylene glycol, vaping can cause dry mouth or dehydration, the experts explained.
In turn this can then lead to increased thirst and dark under-eye circles, they added.
3. Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds are common in youngsters.
The NHS states that they aren’t usually a sign of something serious and in most cases can be treated at home.
The report states that propylene glycol can also reduce moisture inside the nose and cause nosebleeds.
4. New items
Vapes don’t always looks like vapes, and in many cases, the report states that the devices can look like everyday items, making it easy for your kids to conceal them.
If your child suddenly starts coming home with new gadgets that you haven’t seen before, then it might be wise to ask them where they have got them from.
The report states that this includes USB drives, pens, phone cases and smartwatches.
They added that hooded sweatshirts can also be designed with tubed drawstrings – allowing people to inhale through these discretely – as well as vaping backpacks.
“Some vaping devices require rechargeable batteries so be aware of unfamiliar batteries or battery charging devices,” they added.
As part of the study, parents were also asked how they felt about vapes in relation to other products.
While the majority of parents believe vaping is addictive, around 16 per cent said they would rather their child vape than drink alcohol or use drugs.
A further 10 per cent added that they believe vaping is not as bad for long-term health as smoking traditional cigarettes.
The NHS suggests people who smoke try vaping in order to cut down on their smoking habit and they are not intended for us by children.
A review previously conducted by Public Health England found that the devices are 95 per cent less harmful than tobacco products.
Various studies have found health risks associated with the products, including a risk of miscarriage, depression and lung damage.