02/07/2026
We all want to believe our children will make good decisions, they know better. Sometimes they need some guidance and shared knowledge from their parents or trusted family members.
This post was written by someone named "Officer Gomez". Not someone we are familiar with they shared words and experiences shared by many officers who work around children.
Take a moment to talk to your child about va**ng. Its not so much about when is the best time - it's just taking the time to chat.
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I Caught My Kid with a Vape… Now What?
Over the years, I’ve informed more than 1000 parents that their child was caught va**ng. The responses I hear most often fall into four categories:
1. “Oh HECK no. Not in this house!”
2. “Wait, what is va**ng? And what do I do?”
3. “At least it’s better than smoking…”
4. “They said they were holding it for someone else—and I believe them.”
If your child gets caught with a v**e at school, they’ll likely face a 3–5 day in-school suspension. This opens the door for honest conversations—both with me and with you.
I’ve spent countless hours talking with students about va**ng. And here’s what I’ve learned—from the kids themselves:
🧠 Va**ng = 2 Addictions
1. Ni****ne Addiction
2. Social Addiction
🔥 Ni****ne Addiction
Most v**e devices I confiscate contain ni****ne levels FAR higher than cigarettes—up to 50mg per hit vs. 1–7mg in a cigarette.
Many parents don’t realize:
• Kids can’t just “quit.”
• The addiction is real, and it’s powerful.
• Students will shake, get headaches, or even beg to hit any v**e from anyone just to feel normal again.
Most kids are va**ng in class. That’s where they get caught—because they physically can’t make it through a period without a hit.
When I follow up with them weeks or months later? Only about 1 in 100 have successfully quit.
👫 Social Addiction
Va**ng quickly becomes a lifestyle and a friend group. Kids who v**e hang out with other kids who v**e. Asking your child to quit va**ng is also asking them to find a new social circle—and that can be an even harder challenge.
🛠 So… How Do You Help Your Kid Quit?
• Understand: This is a process, not a one-time lecture.
• Get professional help: Smoking cessation programs or youth rehab services can be essential.
• Plan for ups and downs: Relapses happen. Support, don’t shame.
• Engage in regular family time and open conversation.
• Know that this is worth the fight. Va**ng becomes a long-term handicap for many kids.
🧠 Before They Try It: Talk Early
Va**ng isn’t “just a phase.” It’s evolving fast—now involving CBD, ma*****na, and even harder substances.
Start the conversations early:
• Give your kids specific ways to say no when offered.
• Share the real dangers—physically, socially, and emotionally.
The earlier the conversations happen, the stronger your child will be when it matters most.
Happy Parenting,
Officer Gomez
