What should families know about teen vaping, and how can you tell the difference between a harmless gadget and a hidden vape? In this episode of HCPS Wellness Talks, mental health counselors (and fellow parents of teens) Christine Spilman and Christina Norment break down the basics of vaping, from what e-cigarettes actually are to why fruity smells, “USB drives,” and even hoodie strings can sometimes be cause for a closer look. Christine also shares her expertise as a certified substance abuse counselor, explaining how nicotine, marijuana, and other substances can affect the developing teen brain.

Together, Christine and Christina talk through how teens are getting access to vapes, why vaping can open the door to other substance use, and what parents and caregivers can realistically do in response.

You’ll hear practical ideas for starting calm, age-appropriate conversations, helping teens connect the risks to their own goals and activities, and knowing when it’s time to “call in the village” by looping in your child’s school for support.

Para leer la transcripción de este episodio en español, haga clic aquí.

Additional resources:

Parent education workshop from Spring 2025

American Lung Association Vaping Facts for Parents

Tobacco Free Kids

Talking to your teens about vaping

Truth Initiative

What should families know about teens and technology, and how can we set healthy limits in a world that moves so fast? In this episode of HCPS Wellness Talk, mental health counselors Christine Spilman and Christina Norment talk about raising teens in a digital age we as parents didn’t grow up in, and why giving ourselves grace is an important first step.

Christine and Christina break down Virginia’s new social media law (SB 854), share current data about teen app use and mental health, and explain what experts mean about focusing on quality over quantity when it comes to screen time. You’ll also hear practical ideas for families, including setting tech-free zones, talking openly about online risks, modeling healthy habits, and remembering that boredom can spark creativity.

For more resources, check out the links below, visit the HCPS Wellness Talk webpage, and reach out to your child’s school for additional support.

Sources & Links:

Mayo Clinic: Boost Your Brain With Boredom

Jean Twenge: 10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High Tech World

Operation Parent: Parent Handbook

Pew Research Center: Teens, Social Media & AI Chatbots

American Academy of Pediatrics Infographic

New law in Virginia about Social Media

Common Sense Media: Are some types of screen time better than others?

Netsmartz

How to talk to your teen about AI - NPR Lifekit Podcast