Smoking and Vaping – Tobacco and Substitutes
Helping young people make good choices
Our programs provide young people with facts and information about smoking, vaping, tobacco, and other drugs. This knowledge helps them make positive choices about substance use and increases their awareness of drug-related issues.
We know smoking and vaping tobacco causes many health issues and, although it’s expensive, it’s widely available in the UK. Increasing evidence of tobacco’s harm has led to new laws encouraging people to stop smoking and discouraging young people from starting. These actions have reduced the number of smokers. Many see smoking as anti-social, and many smokers acknowledge the risks and wish to quit.
There are many other substances that can be abused, causing harm to individuals and society. These substances are available both legally and illegally, with some being more accessible than others. Illegal drugs like cannabis (the most common), cocaine, ecstasy, LSD, and former ‘legal highs’ (now psychoactive substances) such as mamba and spice pose significant risks but can be purchased for as little as a few pounds.
Solvents, which can be legally bought, can also be abused and negatively impact users. The abuse of prescription drugs is increasing, prompting a government review into the issues raised.
Tobacco, Other Drugs, and Young People
Adolescence is a time of rebellion and experimentation. Drugs can seem ‘cool’ or exciting to young people, who are often unafraid of trying risky things as they seek to find their place in the world. Peer pressure can lead them to make poor decisions, and the consequences of their behavior are not always immediate or apparent. This can result in repetitive negative patterns and, in some cases, addiction.
We encourage young people to respect themselves and respect others choices in relation to drugs.
How can Life Skills courses help?
Education and prevention are crucial in any substance awareness program. At Life Skills Education, our drug education modules are part of our overall substance abuse prevention program. We address drug-related issues head-on.
Young people receive facts and information about smoking, vaping, tobacco, and other drugs. This knowledge helps them make positive choices about substance use and increases their awareness of drug-related issues. We avoid the “just say no” message and scare tactics, as evidence shows these approaches can backfire.
Our drug awareness resources help students understand the facts and health effects of drugs during lessons. This allows them to explore the risks and consequences of their behavior. We teach them to make safe and healthy choices using our unique SKILL DECISION MAKING MODEL.
We encourage young people to respect themselves and others’ choices regarding drugs. They learn that it’s okay to choose not to partake, even if it seems like everyone around them is doing so.
Which course do I need?
KS 1-2 On Track, Keep On Track, Life Skills Primary
KS 3 – Life Skills Game
Other Resources
The NHS
Local stop smoking services are free, friendly and can massively boost your chances of quitting for good.
QUIT
QUIT is the UK charity that helps smokers to stop and young people to never start. We have a diverse range of services.
Cancer Research
Free Stop Smoking Services have been shown to roughly triple the likelihood of success compared to going “cold turkey” alone.
Smoke Free
Getting support from the important people in your life can make a big difference when you quit smoking. You are not alone.