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Afterschool and vaping prevention: Free online resources to help incorporate prevention into your programming

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Afterschool and vaping prevention: Free online resources to help incorporate prevention into your programming

Image by Sarah J. from Pixabay

As we navigate new terrain during this year's Mental Health Awareness Month, the COVID-19 pandemic is opening up new conversations about how we can safeguard and strengthen the mental well-being of children, young people, and families. Thoroughout May, we'll be highlighting how afterschool programs support children and young people as they face both new challenges, particularly social distancing's impact, and more familiar issues, including trauma, ACEs, and substance use.

Read the rest of our Mental Health Awareness Month coverage here.

Over the last few years, e-cigarette use—commonly known as vaping—among youth has skyrocketed. Compared to 11 percent in 2017, 27.5 percent of high school students in 2019 reported using e-cigarettes in the past month;1 since 2011, the use of e-cigarettes among youth has increased by 1,800 percent.2 Vaping can have long lasting health impacts on youth, who are often unaware of the consequences of using e-cigarettes. The National Institute on Drug Abuse has reported that teens who use e-cigarettes are more likely to start smoking combustible tobacco products such as cigarettes and cigars, which have serious health implications. There is additional concern around the impact of nicotine dependence, especially on adolescent brain development; this is particularly concerning since a majority of teens using vaping products have reported not knowing that the products they are using contain nicotine.3 The CDC is also currently investigating a spike in lung injury associated with vaping products, which resulted in an increase of vaping-related emergency room visits in August and September of 2019.4

Afterschool and summer learning programs have long been identified as valuable spaces to build protective factors and decrease risk factors among youth. By supporting youth, connecting them with vital community resources, and providing them with adult mentors, programs are well-situated to offer youth the tools they need to make healthy choices. Many programs are beginning to incorporate elements of substance use prevention into their programming to better meet the needs of their youth. For example, at the national level, the Boys and Girls Club of America has created SMART Moves (Skills Mastery and Resilience Training), a prevention and education program offered at clubs around the country that addresses problems such as drug and alcohol use; 4-H offers Health Rocks!, a program that supports youth in making healthy decisions around tobacco, e-cigarette, and alcohol use.

For programs that are interested in providing vaping prevention programming more explicitly, below are a number of free resources and tools that offer different ways to approach this topic with youth. All resources are available online and many are catered to function virtually!

Stick to the facts

Rather than using a fear-based approach to deter youth from involvement in risky behaviors, including vaping and smoking, it is much more effective to approach youth using evidence-based models that focus on facts and information that allow youth to make informed decisions with that knowledge. For example, The Real Cost of Vaping is a resource created by Scholastic to put the information into the hands of teens that focus on the health effects of vaping and e-cigarette use. Their lessons allow youth to do their own research into the effects of vaping and understand the difference between facts and myths about tobacco and nicotine. The resources include written lessons, videos, and digital activities and are curated for different age groups, with one set of lessons for middle school youth and one for high school youth.

Make it relevant and age-appropriate

In addition to providing youth with facts, it is critical to focus on framing prevention in a way that is age-appropriate and relevant to youth. One aspect to think about, for example, is the delivery method. ASPIRE, created by The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, is a smoking and vaping prevention interactive experience—a creative approach to teaching kids about the dangerous effects of vaping and strategies for dealing with peer pressure. This free, evidence-based online curriculum is offered in both English and Spanish and is structured in a way that makes learning fun and engaging for middle and high school teens, which has been very effective in reaching students. 97 percent of participants reported learning new facts about tobacco and 94 percent reported that the program influenced their decision to not use tobacco in the future.

At BeVapeFree.org, students can take a virtual field trip to learn more about the vaping epidemic, hear from their peers about how they successfully avoided using e-cigarettes, and explore the ways that marketing and social media influence the way that youth perceive the risks of vaping.

Focus on youth empowerment

Another key factor to focus on when working with youth on substance use prevention is the importance of youth voice and youth choice. Youth are some of the most powerful voices in promoting positive decision making among their peers, so it is important to include youth as an active part of prevention programming. For example, CATCH My Breath is a peer-reviewed, evidence-based program that uses a peer-led teaching approach to provide students with the information they need to make choices on e-cigarette use. With this model, an adult moderates the lessons, but the focus is on peer-led groups where youth break out into smaller cohorts to engage in discussions and activities. The program also includes a service learning project led by the students; for instance, students may choose to advocate for more clear policies around vaping at their schools, in which they would research their school’s current regulations, come up with their own recommendations, and present those recommendations to school administrators and school board. The free program is available in tracks for 5th/6th grade, 7th/8th grade, and high school students and has been very successful in empowering students to make healthy choices—7 out of 8 participants say they are less likely to use e-cigarettes after CATCH My Breath.

With resources like those created by Caron Treatment Centers, programs can also support and empower youth that have already begun using vaping products and are struggling with nicotine addiction. For example, CONNECT 5 is a nicotine reduction and cessation digital experience designed to help youth make a positive impact on their health; through these modules, youth are empowered to set goals, develop increased levels of self-awareness, and build resiliency skills. 

This list is only a small sample of the different ways that afterschool and summer learning programs can begin to engage with youth around vaping prevention. Programs serve as a critical touch point for youth and can be a vital resource in making sure that they have the knowledge and skills to make informed choices about vaping and e-cigarette use.

Never giving up is the key to opening doors that have traditionally locked out disadvantaged children.

By Ava Havidic, Afterschool Youth Ambassador, class of 2024.  As a shy eighth grader, I yearned to step outside my comfort zone. However, I did not know where to start. As soon as I attended an online webinar from Broward Youth Coalition (BYC) in the summer before ninth grade, I felt...

BY: Guest Blogger      01/30/24

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By Aurie-Anne Vixama, Afterschool Youth Ambassador, class of 2024. For the past two years, I’ve had the honor to participate as the youth advisory board president for South Florida After-School All-Stars. Being a part of an afterschool program has truly changed my life. At the young age of...

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By Issa Ouarid, Youth Afterschool Ambassador, class of 2024. I started Life Pieces in October 2011 at the age of three. I was very shy and struggled to make friends, but Life Pieces provided an environment for me to open up. In 2013, I lost my grandmother and my form of grieving caused me to...

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By James Tonetti, Youth Afterschool Ambassador, class of 2024.  My exposure to afterschool programs came at an early age. I was just six years old when the note went home that I was to stay after school two days a week to work on reading. Snacks would be provided. I loved my afterschool...

BY: Guest Blogger      01/11/24

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BY: Elizabeth Bannan      07/25/23

U.S. Dept. of Ed. calls for more afterschool and summer supports

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BY: Ursula Helminski      07/17/23

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“For me, the introduction to my culture and the feeling of being a part of something bigger than myself, goes hand in hand with a spark or an increase to my mental, spiritual, and physical health,” writes Sasha Neyra, 16. Sasha is a high school junior and Member of Big Lagoon Rancheria....

BY: Charlotte Steinecke      05/04/23

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U.S. Dept. of Ed. calls for more afterschool and summer supports

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By Ava Havidic, Afterschool Youth Ambassador, class of 2024.  As a shy eighth grader, I yearned to step outside my comfort zone. However, I did not know where to start. As soon as I attended an online webinar from Broward Youth Coalition (BYC) in the summer before ninth grade, I felt...

BY: Guest Blogger      01/30/24

My afterschool program helped me become an advocate for myself and my peers.

By Aurie-Anne Vixama, Afterschool Youth Ambassador, class of 2024. For the past two years, I’ve had the honor to participate as the youth advisory board president for South Florida After-School All-Stars. Being a part of an afterschool program has truly changed my life. At the young age of...

BY: Guest Blogger      01/26/24

My afterschool program always believed in me. We help each other become the best versions of ourselves.

By Issa Ouarid, Youth Afterschool Ambassador, class of 2024. I started Life Pieces in October 2011 at the age of three. I was very shy and struggled to make friends, but Life Pieces provided an environment for me to open up. In 2013, I lost my grandmother and my form of grieving caused me to...

BY: Guest Blogger      01/16/24

My afterschool program has evolved in amazing ways. I have, too.

By James Tonetti, Youth Afterschool Ambassador, class of 2024.  My exposure to afterschool programs came at an early age. I was just six years old when the note went home that I was to stay after school two days a week to work on reading. Snacks would be provided. I loved my afterschool...

BY: Guest Blogger      01/11/24

Meet our 2024 cohort of Youth Afterschool Ambassadors!

“We are so proud to announce the 2024 class of Youth Afterschool Ambassadors,” said Afterschool Alliance Executive Director Jodi Grant. “In their applications, youth shared powerful perspectives about their afterschool experiences, and we can’t wait to help them share...

BY: Elizabeth Bannan      10/13/23

Apply to become an Afterschool Alliance Youth Ambassador!

We are thrilled to announce that we are seeking applicants for our Youth Ambassador program! Youth aged 13 and older are invited to apply by sharing their afterschool experiences by August 31, 2023. Each school year, the Afterschool Alliance recruits 7-10 youth to serve as Youth Ambassadors to...

BY: Elizabeth Bannan      07/25/23

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“For me, the introduction to my culture and the feeling of being a part of something bigger than myself, goes hand in hand with a spark or an increase to my mental, spiritual, and physical health,” writes Sasha Neyra, 16. Sasha is a high school junior and Member of Big Lagoon Rancheria....

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BY: Charlotte Steinecke      04/06/23

New podcast discusses youth perspectives on program design

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BY: Ursula Helminski      07/17/23

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U.S. Dept. of Ed. calls for more afterschool and summer supports

The U.S. Department of Education’s Engage Every Student Initiative marked its one-year anniversary last week with the Raise the Bar Summit, a celebration of the progress made toward expanding afterschool and summer programs for youth across the nation and a platform to exchange...

BY: Ursula Helminski      07/17/23

Creating a safe space in afterschool for LGBTQIA+ youth

Photo courtesy of The Gender Spectrum Collection Afterschool programs provide a safe space for youth to be their most authentic selves, with opportunities to engage with peers outside of the school day, connect with caring adults, and explore their interests and passions. But LGBTQ+ youth in...

BY: Maria Rizo      06/27/23

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Reflecting on the findings from our recent voter poll, "Afterschool a Priority for Asian American and Pacific Islander Voters," the Afterschool Alliance is amplifying the work of out-of-school providers supporting AANHPI students and their families. The Burma Center is a...

BY: Sophie Kidd      06/26/23

Building peer-to-peer relationships and taking "safe risks": Project Morry

In a conversation with Dawn Ewing, Executive Director of Project Morry, we sat down to discuss how the program is fostering a safe space for youth to re-engage during the summer and how youth are able to define success on their own terms. Project Morry was one of the 36 grantees of the 2021 Aim...

BY: Maria Rizo      01/19/23

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BY: Charlotte Steinecke      01/10/23

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This blog is part of a series covering the work of New York Life Foundation Aim High grantees. Awardees receive support for their outstanding out-of-school time programs serving underserved middle school youth. The Aim High grant request for proposals is open now through February 1, 2024...

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BY: Sophie Kidd      11/03/23

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By Dawn Marie Johnson, MSW, Director of Leadership and Culture for the South Dakota Afterschool Network; School Board Member, Sioux Falls School District Dawn Marie Johnson has been involved in supporting young people and school and afterschool organizations for the past decade. Growing up...

BY: Guest Blogger      07/27/23

Success stories: The Burma Center

Reflecting on the findings from our recent voter poll, "Afterschool a Priority for Asian American and Pacific Islander Voters," the Afterschool Alliance is amplifying the work of out-of-school providers supporting AANHPI students and their families. The Burma Center is a...

BY: Sophie Kidd      06/26/23

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May is Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month - a month to honor the accomplishments and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States while celebrating their diverse heritages. Here are a few resources and ideas to help you think about ways...

BY: Ursula Helminski      05/15/23

Building peer-to-peer relationships and taking "safe risks": Project Morry

In a conversation with Dawn Ewing, Executive Director of Project Morry, we sat down to discuss how the program is fostering a safe space for youth to re-engage during the summer and how youth are able to define success on their own terms. Project Morry was one of the 36 grantees of the 2021 Aim...

BY: Maria Rizo      01/19/23

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“We want to show the softness.” – Mingotae Kebede, director and producer A filmmaker and former staff of a long running Washington, DC Afterschool program, Life Pieces to Masterpieces was asked to help the program create a small video to commemorate the program’s 25th...

BY: Jillian Luchner      12/09/22

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BY: Guest Blogger      06/28/22

Celebrating Juneteenth in afterschool programs

Image by William Adams from Pixabay Juneteenth National Independence Day also known as Freedom Day, or Jubilee day honors the emancipation of slaves in the United States. More than 150 years after its first celebration, the Juneteenth holiday provides an opportunity to learn and teach about the...

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BY: Maria Rizo      06/27/23

January is National Mentoring Month

Afterschool programs are excellent places for young people to meet and engage with supportive adults and find mentors. From STEM superheroes introducing girls to 21st century STEM careers, to caring adults helping with homework and encouraging students realize their full potential, mentorship in...

BY: Charlotte Steinecke      01/10/23

Program Toolbox recently updated for new, established, and growing programs

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BY: Maria Rizo      11/22/22

Afterschool supports LGBTQ students

By Tran Tonnu, marketing manager at School's Out Washington, and Janell Jordan, King County program manager. This article originally appeared on School's Out Washington's blog on June 17, 2021. It has been republished here with their permission. For LGBTQ folks, June...

BY: Guest Blogger      06/28/22

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