TORONTO PROGRAM

Youth are not just “small adults” when it comes to the impacts of vaping. Their developing brains, social environments, and unique vulnerabilities place them at heightened risk for nicotine addiction and long-term health consequences. In this dynamic fireside discussion, leading medical and public health experts will unpack the latest data on youth vaping trends in Canada, explain the science of nicotine dependency and its effects on adolescent brain development, and explore the broader health implications for young people. Together, the panel will also highlight how educators and school leaders can play a pivotal role in prevention and support by creating safe, informed, and responsive environments that help students make healthier choices.

Presenters will provide an overview of the Students Together Moving to Prevent Tobacco Use (STOMP) and QUASH programs, as well as share the experiences of schools where these programs are being used.

School leaders face the daily challenge of balancing student wellbeing with the operational, regulatory, and political realities that shape their work. Responding effectively to youth vaping requires more than compliance; it calls for creativity, collaboration, and a willingness to adapt within existing frameworks. In this session, sector leaders will candidly discuss the operational pressures schools encounter, including regulatory requirements, professional safety considerations, and political direction. The conversation will explore practical shifts in approach that can support schools in navigating these complexities while keeping student success at the centre.

This session is designed to help busy school professionals move from concepts to an action plan that works in schools. This hands-on workshop is designed to help participants move beyond discussion and begin building concrete strategies to address vaping in their own school communities. Through an immersive and interactive process, participants will develop tailored implementation approaches for their unique contexts, with opportunities to exchange ideas, learn from peers, and draw on insights from other conference presenters. Attendees will leave with practical next steps, stronger confidence, and a clearer path toward supporting healthier outcomes for students.