Resources for Youth Tobacco Prevention and Cessation
Schools play an important role in providing a tobacco-free environment and lifestyle for the next generation. Well-Ahead Louisiana and the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living (TFL) developed a comprehensive online toolkit for schools to take the lead in responding to the youth vaping epidemic and take down tobacco for good! The toolkit guides schools in creating a tobacco-free environment that helps prevent students from using tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, and supporting students who need help quitting.
We all have an important part to play in moving Louisiana’s health forward for the next generation. And it’s critical we start today. According to the Louisiana Youth Tobacco Survey, vaping for middle and high school students is on the rise.
2X
From 2017 to 2019, vape use among middle school students almost doubled.
15.4%
of middle school students used vapes in 2019.
3X
From 2017 to 2019, vape use among high school students almost tripled.
31.6%
of high school students used vapes in 2019.
By utilizing the resources provided in this toolkit, schools have the tools and support to stand up and take action against youth tobacco use in Louisiana!
Understanding how tobacco impacts youth in Louisiana is the first step to making a change. Educate your school staff about the risk of nicotine use, including e-cigarettes, how Louisiana teens are impacted and how tobacco companies are focusing marketing and new products to target youth.
By implementing tobacco-free policies, structuring education and disciplinary practices to help prevent youth from starting tobacco use, and offering supportive approaches when students are caught using tobacco products, schools can prevent initiation and reduce overall youth tobacco use.
Schools can direct students to tobacco cessation resources that are tailored to teen’s needs. In addition, schools can support youth when they are ready to quit by offering tobacco cessation programs on campus.