How Schools Can Build Strategies That Actually Work to Prevent Youth Vaping

Youth vaping is rising in Ontario classrooms, creating both health and operational challenges for schools. Educators, administrators and health professionals need practical, evidence-based approaches for youth nicotine prevention in Canada. 

The Toronto Vaping in Schools Conference 2025 provides tools, professional development and real-world examples to help schools implement effective school policies on vaping in Ontario and prevent nicotine use.

How to Prevent Vaping in Schools: Why Layered Strategies Work

Preventing youth vaping in schools isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Effective prevention combines three levels of support:

Universal Practices

School-wide strategies that create welcoming, supportive environments, integrate student vaping education in Toronto classrooms and normalize equity and dignity. Examples include:

• Embedding substance-use education across subjects and assemblies

• Implementing advisory periods, peer mentoring and student clubs

• Promoting dignity and equity in school policies

Targeted Supports

Interventions for students at higher risk:

• Restorative circles

• Cessation programs like STOMP or QUASH

• Family and community engagement

Intensive/Individualized Systems

Personalized plans for students with persistent challenges:

• Regular check-ins and monitoring

• Culturally grounded mental health and cessation supports

• Safety reviews and escalation protocols

Professional Development for School Staff

The conference includes hands-on training on vaping in Toronto, helping staff move from concepts to actionable strategies. Participants will:

• Learn quick-response scripts and restorative approaches for immediate classroom use

• Develop tailored implementation plans for their unique school context

• Exchange ideas with peers and gain insights from experienced educators and health professionals

• Build confidence and practical steps to support healthier student outcomes

Implementing Evidence-Based Approaches

Schools can strengthen school policies on vaping Ontario by:

• Clearly defining rules and consequences for vaping on school property

• Providing supportive interventions like counseling and referrals

• Engaging families and community partners through education sessions and resources

• Aligning policies with public health guidance and youth nicotine prevention programs in Canada

Practical frameworks, like the conference’s 90-day action plan, help schools move from policy to practice with structured steps for universal, targeted and indicated approaches.

90-Day Action Plan: From Concept to Action

Throughout the 90-day plan, conference participants will:

• Develop tailored implementation strategies for their unique school context

• Exchange ideas with peers and learn from expert presenters

• Leave with practical next steps, stronger confidence and a clearer path to support student health

Days 1–30: Launch and Early Interventions

• Launch school-wide programs and integrate substance-use lessons

• Participate in professional development for youth vaping

• Establish student action teams and engage families and community partners

Days 31–60: Strengthen and Monitor

• Track early interventions using attendance, surveys and incident data

• Refine staff practices with restorative approaches and quick-response scripts

• Support student-led initiatives and equity-focused interventions

Days 61–90: Evaluate and Sustain

• Evaluate outcomes and adjust strategies

• Strengthen family and community partnerships

• Plan for long-term sustainability and share successes across the school community

Conference Highlights

At the Toronto Vaping in Schools Conference 2025, participants will:

• Explore layered prevention strategies for students at risk of vaping

• Receive professional development on staff interventions, restorative approaches and quick-response scripts

• Learn to implement universal, targeted and indicated strategies in real school contexts

• Understand how to balance student wellbeing with operational, regulatory and political realities

• Move beyond discussion to create actionable strategies that can be immediately applied in their school communities

Join educators, health professionals and community leaders in Toronto on October 20, 2025 to gain actionable strategies, professional development and real-world examples.

Register now!