There are many pressures for kids when they head back to school.

  • Social Media
  • Peer pressure
  • Violence
  • Depression
  • Bullying
  • Sex
  • Drugs
  • Alcohol
  • Body Image
  • Academic Problems

Let's add another pressure to the mix that could fall under one or more of these categories but is a big enough problem to warrant its own category.

Vaping.

When I was a kid, the number of kids standing under the "smoking tree" was pretty big. According to data just released from Tabacco Free Kids.org, there are still 15.4% of high school students in Wyoming who smoke. That's still a significant number, but nowhere near the number of high school kids vaping in Cowboy State.

29.6% of Wyoming high schoolers are vaping, compared to only 10% of kids nationally.

As a parent, how do you combat these numbers?

The answer is simple...Communication.

Parent.com says that even if the conversations are difficult, and your kid doesn't seem to be listening, you're still the most important influence in their life.

Try not to be judgemental. Find a way to bring up touchy topics by asking if they think certain issues are a problem at their school. Let them know you're not cool with them breaking the rules and what the consequences are. Also, let them know that making bad choices is a part of growing up and it's not the end of the world if you screw up.

There's a good video that's been circulating for the last few years that describes why vaping is not good for kids and why it's important that you share the effects it could have on them.

Top 10 Must Have Items For Wyomingites Going Back To School

9 Ways To Keep Casper Kids Safe Now That It's Back To School Time

Bus safety isn't just up to the children on the bus, it's a job for everyone in our community.