Why Toronto Educators Need to Talk About Youth Vaping in Schools Now

Youth vaping is on the rise in Toronto schools, and the health and wellbeing of students are at stake. According to the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey, one in four students in Grades 8–12 have tried vaping. Use of vaping products increases with grade, almost quadrupling from Grade 8 (5%) to Grade 12 (22%). Educators, administrators, and school staff have a unique opportunity to intervene early and guide students toward healthier choices.

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Toronto Youth Vaping in Schools Landscape

Vaping among youth is a growing concern across Canada, and Toronto is no exception. Data shows a steady increase in the number of students experimenting with e-cigarettes, particularly in Grades 9–12. Females (18%) are twice as likely as males (9%) to report vaping in the past year. Local public health initiatives indicate that early intervention in schools can dramatically reduce vaping uptake and prevent nicotine addiction.

Why School Staff is Essential to Addressing Youth Vaping in Schools

Teachers, administrators and school counsellors are in a position to notice changes in student behaviour, provide education and create supportive environments. Schools serve as both a prevention and intervention point by:

Incorporating vaping education into health and wellness curricula
Identifying early signs of substance use
Engaging parents and caregivers in prevention efforts
Connecting students to resources for quitting

Actionable Steps for Educators

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1. Understand Why Youth Are Uniquely Vulnerable

Youth are not just “small adults.” Their developing brains and social environments make them more susceptible to nicotine addiction and long-term health effects. Educators who understand these vulnerabilities are better equipped to identify early warning signs and respond effectively.

2. Bring Evidence-Based Prevention Programs into Your School

Programs such as STOMP (Students Together Moving to Prevent Tobacco Use) and QUASH provide classroom-ready activities and resources to help prevent youth vaping. Incorporating these into your curriculum strengthens school-wide prevention.

3. Learn to Balance Policy and Student Wellbeing

Successful responses to vaping go beyond compliance. Discover how school leaders are navigating regulatory requirements, safety considerations and political realities while keeping student success at the centre.

4. Turn Ideas into a School-Specific Action Plan

Move from theory to practice. In a hands-on, collaborative workshop, educators will create tailored action plans they can take back to their classrooms and communities — building real capacity for healthier schools.

Join the Conversation

Event poster for a discussion on vaping in schools, Toronto. Cellphone shows date, Oct 20, 2025. Includes city skyline and partner logos. — Join the Addressing Vaping in Schools Conference on October 20 in Toronto at the Westin Harbour Castle for expert discussions and initiatives to combat vaping in educational settings.

Addressing youth vaping requires knowledge, tools and collaboration. The Toronto Addressing Vaping in Schools Conference 2025 on October 20 offers educators, health professionals and community leaders a chance to:

Learn from public health experts and experienced educators.
Access practical resources and policy examples.
Participate in an interactive workshop and breakout sessions designed to tackle vaping in schools.

Take Action: Don’t wait until vaping becomes a bigger problem—register for the Toronto conference now and be part of the solution.