Substance Use and Harm Reduction

As a precaution students need to be aware never to touch a discarded sharp or needle if found. Always go to an adult for help. Adults can ensure discarded sharp objects are safely collected and disposed of by following the directions on the Found sharps and needles webpage.

• Lungs are for Life is an evidence-based resource for Ontario educators to help students learn more about about the dangers of smoking and vaping so they can make healthy and informed decisions. It was developed by the Canadian Lung Association and is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Education.
• Not an Experiment is a website that provides youth and educators with information about the health effects of vaping, industry influences, and more. Educator resources for lessons and classroom activities, including an Escape Room game, are available.
• Stop Vaping Challenge website has a youth-oriented vaping education workshop designed to empower young individuals with knowledge and tools to make healthier decisions in the future. Educators can use the available slides and slide notes to teach the workshop and lead discussions themselves, or use the pre-recorded video presentations. There is also a Stop Vaping Challenge app that teens who vape can use to help them stop vaping and become aware of their vaping habits. 
• Students Together Moving to Reduce Tobacco Use (STOMP) is a multi-year pilot project (2021-2024) from PHE Canada. It takes a comprehensive approach to curb commercial tobacco use by targeting the student population and its unique characteristics, norms and needs directly. Resources include student and school kits.
• Quash is an app to help people quit smoking or vaping. A free certificate training (self-guided, online) equips adults to deliver the Quash smoking and vaping cessation program to youth in their communities.
• Vaping Education Resources (grades 4-8) from Ophea provide educators with capacity building tools and conversation starter prompts to support students in developing the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions to support their health and well-being. Resources include Instructional Moments videos and Educator Guide, Conversation Starter videos, and tip sheets.

• Cannabis Education Resources (grade 1-12) from Ophea provide educators and administrators access to evidence-informed information on substance use (specifically cannabis) to help students develop the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions to support their health and well-being.  Resources include Cannabis Education Activity Plans for elementary and secondary students, a Q&A column series, and a resource database.
• iMinds is a free health literacy resource for grades 4 to 12. It aims to help students maximize their drug literacy, by building knowledge and skills needed to survive and thrive in a world where drug use is common. This resource has been designed by the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research to support BC Ministry of Education curricula, but is adaptable and available for use in Canadian schools.
• My Brain My Choice is a multi-session program for grade 6 students designed to delay or prevent substance use in youth. Teachers will be provided resources to guide discussion of youth perceptions of substances, and support learning about addiction and the impact substances such as nicotine have on the developing brain. Students will be encouraged to think critically about media and peer influences, and practice strategies to navigate peer-pressure situations. Follow up resources can be shared with parents/caregivers to reinforce key messages from the program.