On March 13, an insightful and informative #PathDialogue session was held with Dr. Mehrotra, Associate Director, Division of Mental Health and Quality of Life, Medanta on the rise of vaping and e-cigarettes, the health concerns around it and how as a community, we can collectively support our children. Over 40 parents and faculty joined us for the session.

A few highlights from the session with Dr. Mehrotra are mentioned below:

1. Dr. Mehrotra explained the types of vapes and e-cigarettes in the market, what they contain and how accessible they are

2. How vaping and e-cigarettes lead to anxiety, heart, concentration and brain issues over a period of time, being seen in children at a young age. He spoke about understanding vulnerabilities and having an open conversation with their child by earning their trust

3. Three action points for parents to earn child’s trust

   • Modelling appropriate behaviours by being an example
   • Mentoring our children from time to time
   • Monitoring our children as against policing them or being helicopter parents

4. Dr. Mehrotra stated that it’s important for parents to be more informed than the children to be able to monitor them. This was followed by a Q&A session with parents