RESOURCES
For admins + educators.
Lead your students to victory — and vape-free futures. Winning against the youth vaping crisis requires a schoolwide playbook.
Students vape when they feel uncomfortable.
Students vape when they feel stressed.
Students vape when they feel awkward.
Easy conversation starters.
Talk with your students about vaping + get them opening up.
Go beyond the hype.
“Isn’t it weird how vaping seems so popular when most students don’t vape? And for the small percentage who do, 7 out of 10 want to quit. It just feels like more people are doing it because vaping companies spend literally billions to make you think it’s trendy.”
Give them simple + actionable alternatives.
“A lot of people vape because they think it’s a good way to feel better or help their anxiety. Unfortunately, vaping makes mental health worse. Have you tried other easy coping skills, like taking a walk around the block, or doodling in a notebook?” (You can find more coping strategies here.)
Become a resource.
“There’s a ton of information out there about vaping and whether or not it’s that bad. Some of that info’s true, and some of it’s not. Just so you know, I’m here if you want to talk about the risks. Anything you’ve heard that feels fishy?”
Encourage students who don’t vape to keep it up.
“It seems like there’s a lot of social pressure to start vaping. If you ever think about vaping, you can let me know — cool? Your family and friends are also here to support you.” (Students can find additional support resources here.)
Support students who want to quit.
“Hey, if you feel like you want to quit vaping — or even just cut back a little bit — there are a bunch of resources at your fingertips. I’m happy to connect you, or you can check out sites like BeyondtheHype.org or My Life. My Quit. to see what it would be like to quit on your timeline, and your terms. Want more info?”
Proven Programs + Trainings
From the American Lung Association
ACT
Advocacy and School Policy to Address Vape Cessation
One-Hour On-Demand
Based on the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Youth Tobacco Cessation: Considerations for Clinicians, the session outlines the steps of Ask, Counsel, Treat — and provides guidance, support and best practices for effectively delivering ACT as a brief intervention for youth who vape.
INDEPTH
An Alternative to Suspension or Citation
Four 50-Minute Sessions
Instead of solely focusing on punitive measures, INDEPTH is an interactive program that teaches students about nicotine dependence, establishing healthy alternatives, and how to kick the unhealthy addiction that got them in trouble in the first place.
N-O-T
Teen Smoking and Vaping Cessation Program
Ten 50-minute sessions
Unlike other programs that modify adult curriculum, N-O-T was designed with 13 – 19 year-old teenagers in mind. Each session uses different interactive learning strategies based on Social Cognitive Theory of behavior change that are applied and practiced in everyday life.
Additional + Trusted Resources
Empower Vape-
Free Youth:
Educator Video Series
REACH Lab Tobacco Prevention Toolkit
Curriculums + Lessons
Core Programs Bundles
Trainings + Resources
Vaping:
Know the Truth
Self-Paced Online Lessons
Vaping Cessation
Toolkit
Clinical Presentation
Vaping Prevention + Education
Lesson Plans + Materials
Earn CE Credits
Pennsylvania providers (like school health staff, physicians, pharmacists, etc.) can take online accredited courses through QuitLogix Education.
The courses cover topics like which devices students are using, the harm vaping causes, conversations for screenings, and how to respond to — and prevent — vaping.
FAQS
Can you help our school host a vape awareness event?
Of course — we’d be honored. (We also provide all the materials, so your event will be successful and stress-free.) Just get in touch to talk details!
Is it okay to take a stand against vaping if I’m also vaping? Do I need to quit, too?
Great question. YES, it’s okay to take a stand! And no, you don’t need to quit, too.
Not only are you the one in charge, but it’s not about who’s using what in this situation — it’s that brains need time to fully mature, and yours already has. The health risks are a lot greater before the age of 25, as brains continue to develop.
That said, if you’re looking to quit alongside students to help them ditch the vape, you can always call 1-800-QUIT-NOW to get started. The less vapes in our schools, the better.
How do I support students so they never start vaping in the first place?
Information, open conversations, nonjudgey support, and encouraging them to turn to healthier coping skills are all great steps to keep your students vape-free. As a starting point, we’ve developed a list of simple, effecting coping skills on our Teens + Students Resources page..
Where can I learn more info about the risks and effects of vaping?
We’ve compiled a crash course of data and info to keep you informed, over on Vape 101. You can also check out our Sources page, which links you directly to a list of helpful sites and articles.
How can we implement a curriculum that prevents vaping or supports students in quitting?
There are so many exceptional programs out there — some of which are listed above. There’s also this excellent compilation of resources by The Alliance for a Healthier Generation.
