Teen Mental Health and Vaping: How Schools Can Make a Difference

VIDEO: What would Kiwi Say?

See how Alongside's clinician-designed chatbot, Kiwi the llama, coaches students on the topic of vaping using the following steps:

• Engage students and gather insights
• Psycho ed with an engaging quiz
• Feedback and self-reflection
• Recommend supports available to students
• Goal setting - students commit to a Quest
• Summary shared with celebration of progress

Teen vaping is a growing concern for schools, impacting both the mental and physical well-being of students.

With vaping often marketed as a "safer" alternative to smoking, many teens are left confused about the real risks. However, the reality is that vaping is far from harmless, and schools play a critical role in addressing this issue. 

Educators and administrators are uniquely positioned to influence students' choices and steer them away from harmful behaviors. This post explores how schools can make a meaningful difference by fostering education, providing supportive resources, and implementing policies that focus on guidance rather than punishment.

SEE ALSO: Learn more about factors driving the youth mental health crisis with data from over 30,000 teen chats, summarized in our 2024 Youth Mental Health Report.

‍The Vaping Problem: Why Should Schools Care?‍

Vaping among teens has skyrocketed, becoming a major issue in schools nationwide. These e-cigarettes aren’t just flavored water vapor; they’re packed with high levels of nicotine, which can harm young, developing brains and lead to addiction (Baker & Campbell, 2020). Plus, the discreet design of devices like JUUL makes it easy for students to use them undetected, even in classrooms and hallways (Hilton et al., 2022). As educators and school leaders, you’re on the front lines of this battle, and your approach can make all the difference.

What Can Schools Do? 

1. Educate in Ways That Resonate

It’s more than just showing a PowerPoint about the dangers of vaping. Effective education involves addressing students’ perceptions and debunking the myths they see on social media. Programs like CATCH My Breath and the Stanford Medicine Tobacco Prevention Toolkit offer interactive lessons that challenge the idea that vaping is “cool” or “safe” (Baker & Campbell, 2020). These programs are specifically designed for schools and focus on engaging students through activities that make the risks feel real and relatable. By implementing these tools, you can start changing how students think about vaping—and that’s the first step to real change.

2. Provide Accessible and Supportive Resources

We know education alone isn’t enough. Many students who vape are looking for stress relief or trying to fit in. That’s where supportive resources come in. Consider using digital tools like Alongside, which offers a safe space for students to engage in conversations about their vaping habits. As seen in the video above, Alongside’s vaping module helps students reflect on their behaviors, learn about vaping effects, feel supported without judgment, and get connected to resources both in-person and elsewhere. It’s like having a virtual coach right in their pocket, guiding them toward healthier choices. You can book a demo of Alongside to learn more.

3. Implement Policies That Support, Not Just Punish

Banning e-cigarettes on school property is a good start, but enforcing these bans with a focus on education rather than punishment can make a bigger impact. Some schools are opting for “vape schools” instead of suspensions, where students and their parents learn about the health risks and strategies to quit (McDaniel, 2020). These programs don’t just tell kids what not to do—they offer real support and alternatives.

Policies that focus on guidance rather than just consequences can change the culture around vaping. And when students feel supported instead of shamed, they’re more likely to make positive changes.

Final Thoughts

As school leaders, you have a unique opportunity to help students navigate this challenging issue. It’s about creating a culture that doesn’t just say “no” to vaping but says “yes” to support, education, and healthier choices. By implementing engaging educational programs, offering resources like the Alongside app, and shaping supportive policies, you can help steer your students away from vaping and toward a healthier future.

References
_{Baker, K. A., & Campbell, N. J. (2020). Combatting teen vaping in school settings.
Campbell, N. J., & Baker, K. A. (2020). Evaluating evidence to underscore health promotion activities to prevent teenage vaping.
Hilton, S., et al. (2022). E-cigarettes, a safer alternative for teenagers? A UK focus group study of teenagers’ views.
McDaniel, S. (2020). Vaping in the schools: A training for educators.}