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In our fight to end youth and young adult nicotine addiction, we focus on the issues that matter most. We constantly monitor the latest topics and trends in commercial tobacco and substance use.

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At Truth Initiative, we are committed to a future free from lifelong addiction, fostering healthier lives and a more resilient nation. We are the nation’s largest nonprofit public health organization dedicated to preventing youth and young adult nicotine addiction and empowering quitting for all.

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By driving behavior and policy change, we prevent addiction, increase quitting, reduce nicotine dependence, and expand cessation support and access. All backed by rigorous research and evaluation.

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  • RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS

RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS

Two students walking in the hallway

Share a smarter way to quit nicotine with EX Program

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Two students passing a vape that looks like a video game controller in the bathroom

Youth nicotine use has evolved, but remains a classroom challenge

Teachers and school administrators know that nicotine use has become a problem in schools.

Educators report that vaping is impacting student academic performance and mental health. The constant monitoring of hallways and bathrooms is also an added responsibility for teachers who already feel overwhelmed.

While disposable e-cigarettes remain the most popular nicotine product among students, oral nicotine pouches and cannabis products also raise concerns. 

Educator perspectives on nicotine in schools

“It happens multiple times a day, every day... it’s an everyday issue across all grades.” 

- Middle School Assistant Principal, Kentucky

EX Program on a Cell Phone

Share a smarter way to quit nicotine with EX Program

EX Program by Truth Initiative is a free, evidence-based digital quit program that can increase the odds of quitting with personalized quit plans, interactive text messages, expert resources, and a closely monitored online support community. 

An evaluation of EX Program found that enrolled teens were 35% more likely to report not using nicotine after the seven-month study period. 

EX Program has also been shown to be effective at helping young people reduce cannabis use.

Learn more about EX Program

Students can text NICBREAK to 88709 or

go to exprogram.com to join for free. 

Everfi curriculum on a laptop in a classroom

Students who use nicotine should be approached with support

The best way to prevent nicotine use in the classroom is to help students quit.

Students who vape should be approached with support, not punishment. Nicotine is addictive and can impact the developing brain, and a well-funded industry promotes harmful products. The best way to address vaping and nicotine use in the classroom is to help students quit nicotine for good.

Truth Initiative also provides Vaping: Know the truth, a free, self-guided, digital prevention curriculum that gives students the facts they need to make informed decisions about nicotine and other substance use. 

Explore our curriculums

Additional resources for educators:

Download resources for your school

EX Program Explainer Flyer

Thumbnail of an EX Program flyer for Educators

Vaping: Know the truth One-Pager

Thumbnail of vaping know the truth one pager