Below are links to and a brief description of Tobacco Free Schools resources.
Take Action Policy Toolkit: The Take Action Policy Toolkit is intended for both education and public health sectors to identify and implement best practices for supporting tobacco-free and nicotine-free schools efforts. The Toolkit includes 6 sections: Addressing policy, Reviewing Data, Providing Education, Supporting Quitting, Engaging Youth & Families and Partnering with Community. A policy checklist, sample policy language and guidance on the use of equitable discipline are included.
Supportive, Non-Punitive Discipline
The Restorative Approach to Discipline: Communicate the basic pillars of restorative discipline and non-punitive measures using the Restorative Discipline handout.
School Partner Letter: The school partner letter touches on TFS policy, the importance of tobacco and nicotine education, quit support, and community efforts to reduce access.
The letter can be used to introduce/reintroduce yourself to school staff and remind your school partners of available resources.
Prevention Education, Intervention & Alternatives to Suspension Resources
This document outlines various Prevention Education and Alternative to Suspension resources, including 1-pagers that can be shared with school staff.
The BIG Deal About Nicotine presentation. This engaging, student-facing presentation is designed for middle and high school students and can be used in classroom as well as large-group settings.
Youth Cessation Guide: The Youth Cessation Guide is a curated collection of resources designed to support youth on their journey towards healthier choices and a smoke-free future. The toolkit is divided into multiple sections including: Resources for Providers, Parents, Schools & Communities. The toolkit includes Quit Curriculums, Flyers, and Youth Programs.
Access the Guide
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): NRT can be an important tool for treating nicotine dependence in youth. The American Academy of Pediatrics has created several resources to help guide NRT use with youth.
Oral Nicotine Pouches fact sheet- Resource from CDPHE that can be used with students, school staff, parents and guardians.
Vape Detector 1-pager: This document explains what vape detectors are, why they are not recommended for use in schools and provides guidance for evidence-based sustainable alternatives to Vape Detectors.
Vape Detector conversation planning document: This document is designed to help you prepare to engage in conversations with school staff around the topic of vape detectors and ultimately, around taking a supportive approach to addressing vaping on campus. Document includes guiding questions and other suggestions to help you prepare.
Tobacco Free Colorado Videos
Tackling Teen Vaping: School social worker, Haley Figueroa, discusses how vaping impacts young people and strategies for trusted adults to support them. Access Video
My Vaping Mistake: Videos of real teen experiences with vaping. Videos specific to peer pressure, athletics, the future, and mental health. Access Videos
Vaping and Mental Health
National Behavioral Health Network-Article: Youth, Vaping, and Stress statistics
Truth Initiative: Vaping, Nicotine, & Mental Health infographic
I MATTER. The I Matter program connects youth with a therapist for up to 6 free virtual counseling sessions (some in-person appointments available) that are completely confidential. Access IMATTER information
Parent/Guardian Resources
Tobacco Education Resource Library provides guidance for parents/guardians as they seek to support their child (available in Spanish).
Talk with your Teen about E-Cigarettes-A Tip-Sheet for Parents. Access in English & Spanish
Public Health Law Center: FAQ's about Nicotine Pouches
Ex Community. Guidance to help a child quit vaping. Includes community of support and text messages to help guide conversations with your child/youth.
Instagram! Follow Forward Together CO — Parents. Forward Together helps parents and teens become more connected because strong connections mean a brighter future. Posts are in English & Spanish.