A CSH Approach to Vaping in Schools

Addressing Vaping among Youth

Vaping has become a significant health concern for youth, in our province and around the world. Some important points to consider:

Vaping can lead to nicotine addiction
Vaping can cause lung damage
The long term health impacts of vaping are unknown

Strategies and resources are presented below in each of the four pillars of Comprehensive School Health. Consider what has been done, what is available, and what can be enhanced in your school community to address the health risks and challenges associated with vaping in schools.

"Because of the power of nicotine addiction, this is not a fad that most users can be expected to 'outgrow' as they mature."

-Cynthia Ballard, Executive Director of Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada

(https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/teen-vaping-canada-rise-regulations-1.5555982)

Teaching and Learning

Parents and Youth Allies

The Alliance for the Control of Tobacco has made available a virtual presentation for parents on 'The New Look of Nicotine Addiction: Talking to your kids about the dangers of Vaping'. The presentation can be found on thetruthaboutvaping.ca under Parent Resources.

Students and Members of the School Community

thetruthaboutvaping.ca has many resources to support vaping prevention in schools. There is an FAQ document, a lesson plan, a powerpoint presentation, and a poster laying out how to approach this health concern from a Comprehensive School Health approach.

You can also check with your School Health Promotion Liaison Consultant, Youth Outreach Worker and/or Public Health Nurse for additional resources.

Health Canada has resources and online activities available that discuss the harms associated with vaping. Access these resources at considertheconsequences.ca/

Policy

The NLESD has a Cannabis and Smoke-Free Policy that applies to all school property.

Consider what your school has done, and can do, to own this policy:

Have students, teachers, and members of the school community received education on the policy, and the health concerns that drive the need for it?
Is it routinely communicated to the school community?
Is it enforced consistently by all school staff?

Partnerships and Services

Reach out to your School Health Promotion Liaison Consultant, Public Health Nurse, and/or Youth Outreach Worker to access any and all resources available to support your school in this work.

Reach out to the Smokers' Help Line at 1-800-363-5864 to speak with a Quit Coach.

Check out kickash.ca to access online support and encouragement to quit smoking.

Encourage youth to reach out to Kids Help Phone by calling 1-800-668-6868 or texting CONNECT to 686868 for support.

It is important to remember that parents and caregivers are vital partners in the school community. There are specific resources developed by partners that can support parents and caregivers with information and tools to address vaping with youth.

Health Canada has a Talking with Your Teen about Vaping tip sheet.

ACT NL developed The Truth About Vaping Campaign, and lends a lot of supports to address concerns with youth vaping.

Social and Physical Environment

Consider the health promoting environment in your school:

Are there meaningful leisure activities available to students during non-academic time, such as intramurals or clubs?
Are there opportunities for students to lead their peers in vaping prevention and health promotion efforts?
Is there a physical presence of vaping prevention materials in the school?
Are the mirror clings and posters from the Consequences of Vaping Tour by Health Canada visible in your school and/or community? If you would like print and/or digital resources, click here.

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