Tools for schools

Teachers, educators, and youth groups are in a unique position to provide non-judgemental information to teens and their families about youth vaping.

Here are a few things you can do:

Familiarize yourself with what vaping devices look like. They come in many shapes and sizes, some even look like a USB stick.

Talk to teens about the health risks. While we might not know a lot about the long-term risks, we do know there are chemicals in the vaping liquids and that vaping can lead to coughing, wheezing, inflammation of the lungs and an increased heart rate.

Remind teens about the dangers of nicotine. The brain is developing until around age 25, nicotine use during this time can impair the parts of the brain responsible for memory, mood, concentration, and impulse control. Nicotine is also highly addictive, and youth are particularly susceptible to becoming dependent on nicotine.

Take a look at some of these resources

A-Z of Vaping Campaign

BC Lung: Vaping Prevention Toolkit

Health Canada: Consider the Consequences

SACY: Substance Use Health Promotion Initiative, Vocal about Vaping

ERASE BC 

McCreary Youth Research Academy: Clearing the Air 

ABC’s of Substance Use