Parent Training: Supporting Teens in Nicotine Cessation and Prevention

With 30-40% of teens reporting nicotine use, vaping has become an urgent health concern for families. This training equips parents with the knowledge and tools to help their teens quit nicotine, recognize signs of use, and implement effective prevention strategies. Through a blend of research-based insights, practical strategies, and real-life scenarios, parents will leave empowered to foster open communication, provide support, and encourage healthy choices for their teens.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand Teen Nicotine Use: Gain insight into why teens may be drawn to nicotine, how addiction develops, and the physical and mental health impacts of vaping.

  • Identify Signs of Nicotine Use: Learn to recognize behavioral and physical signs of nicotine use and when to seek professional support.

  • Support for Quitting: Develop skills to support your teen in quitting nicotine, including evidence-based strategies for cessation, how to offer empathetic guidance, and techniques for building resilience against cravings.

  • Prevention Strategies: Learn effective, research-backed approaches to prevent nicotine use in teens, including family discussions, role modeling, and creating environments that discourage vaping.

  • Create an Open Dialogue: Discover ways to communicate openly about nicotine, foster trust, and encourage your teen to come to you for support.

By the end of this training, parents will feel confident in their ability to help their teens navigate this challenge and make informed choices that support lifelong health.

The participation fee is $25 and is capped at 20 parents.

About the Facilitator

McKenna Becker is a Bay Area therapist specializing in teens and young adults, with extensive experience guiding clients through nicotine cessation. In addition to her private practice, McKenna is in her third year at Tamalpais Union School District, where she has been instrumental in developing the district’s nicotine cessation program. She has created comprehensive curriculum for nicotine quit groups and conducted research on nicotine policy in schools. She is trained by American Lung Association to provide the “Not-On-Tobacco” cessation program and by Dr. Patricia Conrod in the Preventure program.

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