vaping presentation for high school students

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Vaping Prevention & Education

How to educate students about the dangers of vaping.

HOW TO EDUCATE STUDENTS ABOUT THE DANGERS OF VAPING

Helping students avoid vaping and nicotine addiction.

As educators, you know it's important to focus on issues that affect the health of our nation's youth. One important concern is the threat that vaping nicotine poses to middle and high school students. Vaping can put students at risk for nicotine addiction, harm developing brains, and influence their performance at school.

The FDA's Center for Tobacco Products takes this issue seriously and prioritizes efforts to educate teachers, parents, health care providers, and youth about the dangers of youth vaping.

VAPING NICOTINE HARMS YOUTH

In 2023, the National Youth Tobacco Survey found that more than 2.1 million youth use e⁠-⁠cigarettes — also known as vapes. Many of these students vape every day. Vaping puts youth at risk for serious and lasting health consequences.

Teens' brains are still developing, which can make it easier for them to get addicted to nicotine. Vaping may negatively affect a teen's attention, learning, and memory by promoting addiction to nicotine. They may also experience coughing, wheezing, vomiting, headaches, and dizziness from vaping.

TEACHERS CAN GUIDE STUDENTS TOWARD HEALTHY CHOICES

You're in a great position to help youth make healthy choices. FDA research suggests that when teachers talk with students about the health consequences of vaping, they may be less likely to vape. You don't have to be an expert on tobacco products to make a difference.

Talking with students about vaping and tobacco use requires credible, effective resources you can rely on. Considering this fact, FDA developed the Vaping Prevention and Education Resource Center to help you learn about youth vaping and confidently talk with students about the risks and harms.

FDA LISTENED TO TEACHERS TO UNDERSTAND THEIR NEEDS FOR TOBACCO EDUCATION

FDA launched this new hub of materials after listening to middle and high school teachers and carefully researching their needs. FDA used proven research methods to talk with teachers, collect and analyze their feedback, and evaluate the range of tobacco education materials available to educators across the country.

To make sure we were getting the best information from a wide range of teachers, FDA:

• Conducted a comprehensive needs assessment of state-level tobacco policies, health education standards, and available tobacco-use prevention curricula.
• Hosted 18 online focus groups with 91 health educators representing 28 states to understand how to expand FDA tobacco education resources to meet teachers' needs.
• Fielded an online survey with 434 middle and high school educators to assess their use of and experiences with FDA's tobacco education materials.
• Analyzed participant feedback using reliable research tools to assess findings.

This work was invaluable to FDA's understanding of how to help teachers counsel youth about vaping and nicotine addiction. The research also spotlighted the types of resources teachers say are most effective in their work.

What FDA learned helped the agency recognize that teachers need:

• Training and professional development opportunities that are free, short, and interactive. Educators place great value in hands-on lessons, activities, and quizzes.
• Science-based, standards-mapped classroom resources that align with National Health Education Standards.
• Easy-to-access best practices and curricula for youth tobacco education that have been vetted by experts and proven effective.
• Youth-specific cessation materials and educator training.
• Spanish-language materials to help broaden the reach of youth tobacco education, especially in Title I and urban schools.

On top of this, FDA's research showed it's important to provide materials with real-life stories and a mature tone that students can relate to. Another common theme was a need for tailored leveling to ensure materials are flexible and useful for a range of reading levels, English-language proficiency, and students' abilities.

FDA's research was both a call to action and a blueprint for developing new materials for educators, as well as parents and students. Hopefully, this investment has resulted in materials teachers feel comfortable using in the effort to curb youth tobacco use.

WE CAN STOP NICOTINE ADDICTION BEFORE IT STARTS

FDA's Center for Tobacco Products sees a future in which tobacco-related disease is part of the past, helping ensure a healthier life for every family. Our aim for this resource center is to help advance this vision by providing science-based, accessible materials to adults who have a positive influence on the lives of our youth. Please check back for new resources, activities, and updates, and share these resources with your colleagues.

Modules for tobacco & nicotine education

Activity/PowerPoint: E-Cigarette/Vape Pen 101

Instructions.

Educators should download the lesson plan and activity materials which contains speakers' notes.

1. This activity will provide information on what e-cigs/vapes are and include some of the potential risks of using e-cigarettes/vape pens. 

Info-rich activity that provides an overview of key issues and allows for discussion.

Activity Preview

Preview of Slides

Branching Out

Whether you have more teaching time or want to dive into similar topics to form a lesson, here are just a few options of other Toolkit curriculum items that you can use with this activity.

Discussion Guide

Students can have a conversation with a trusted adult about e-cigarettes/vapes.

E-Cig/Vape 101 Kahoot

Quiz students on what they know or learned about the harms of using e-cigarettes/vapes.

https://tinyurl.com/Intro-to-E-Cigs-Vapes-Quiz  

E-Cigarette Unit

Teach more curriculum on this topic. Click on the title/heading above.

Comprehensive Vaping Education

Vape free. breathe free., don’t let covid-19 derail plans for vaping education., online webinar series..

In-person Presentations

Vaping presents a serious threat to the health of our youth and young adults, with heightened concerns due to possible increased exposure to COVID-19 risks among vapers and smokers. It is therefore more important than ever to educate students, parents and staff about the risks associated with vaping and nicotine. CIC’s comprehensive vaping education program covers short and long-term risks, the impact of vaping on the adolescent brain, marketing strategies targeting youth, changing government policies, and a review of quit resources. The presentation can be delivered to students, parent groups, or faculty and staff, including:

• An in-person PowerPoint presentation that can be tailored to audiences of different ages.
• An interactive vaping display that provides opportunities for one-on-one discussions. They can be set up during lunch hours at school, at parents’ events and at health fairs.

Staff training

Focuses on the latest usage trends among youth, new government policies, new devices, signs and symptoms, the most convincing prevention messaging, how to incorporate vaping information into subjects in the classroom, possible home projects, and the importance of quitting during the COVID-19 pandemic.

School nurses

With an emphasis on signs and symptoms, this webinar tells you what to look for when kids present with vaping-related complaints, about quit resources and the role of nicotine replacement therapy.

Coaches and teams

This discusses special considerations for athletes, and the impact on performance and motivation.

New devices, means of obtaining, signs and symptoms, serious health risks especially COVID-related, quit resources and engaging healthcare professionals, how to talk to your children, messaging that works and what doesn’t.

Flexible and adaptable presentation, with the ability to customize topics and length. Can be delivered in a webinar format or Zoom Group . Customizable to high school and middle school students. Could also be delivered to student clubs looking for ways to connect. Also, be sure to check out our Mini Vaping Webinars for an overview.

Quit Resources: A Deep Dive

A review of a wide range of virtual quit resources and how to avoid potential pitfalls.  Appropriate for individuals, for any size group, for all ages, for vapers and smokers themselves or those wanting to help a friend or loved one quit. Community in Crisis recently hosted one open virtual quit resources session, with great success.

Create Your Own Display

Choose and print materials to create your own interactive display. Parents and students readily engage when they see the devices, giving us an opportunity to make a few key points about vaping.

Prevention and Early Action

Workshops and training, recovery support.

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Vaping and Tobacco

Lesson plans, new tobacco prevention toolkit: you and me, together vape-free.

• Grade level: 6-8
• Includes each of the 6 lessons includes a lesson plan overview, Canva slides, talking points (a script), a Kahoot quiz, discussion guide for students to use with a trusted adult, and crash courses for educators
• Teaches about the harms of e-cigarettes, the strategies e-cigarette manufacturers and sellers use to increase use among adolescents (such as deceptive and creative marketing strategies), and skills to refuse experimentation and use of e-cigarettes
• Duration: 6 lessons
• Standards aligned with: Common Core State Standards, Health Education Content Standards, National Health Education Standards
• Sources: Stanford Medicine

NEW! Tobacco Prevention Toolkit: Smokeless Tobacco 101

• Includes PowerPoint slide deck, factsheet, activities, online quiz games, worksheets, discussion guide for students to use with a trusted adult, and crash courses for educators
• Teaches the risks and history of smokeless tobacco use and refusal skills
• Includes 7 activities/mini-lessons organized by topic and placed in a recommended sequence, with a final unit Kahoot quiz. Project Here estimates 1-3 class sessions.

NEW! Tobacco Prevention Toolkit: Hookah 101

• Teaches the risks and parts of a waterpipe (hookah) and refusal skills
• Includes 5 activities/mini-lessons organized by topic and placed in a recommended sequence, with a final unit Kahoot quiz. Project Here estimates 1-2 class sessions.

NEW! How Nicotine Affects the Teen Brain

• Includes teaching guide, student article, student activity sheet, vocabulary list, and optional interactive exercise
• Teaches about nicotine, its addictive properties, and the dangers of vaping, including by having students create a presentation for their peers
• Duration: 1 class period
• Standards aligned with: Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards
• Sources: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) & Scholastic

NEW! Teacher’s Guide to the Risks of Vaping Student Magazine

• Includes teacher’s guide (lesson plan), magazine “The Risks of Vaping,” Vaping 101 Articles, Vaping’s Not Our Thing project and project rubric
• Teaches about the risks of vaping by having students analyze informational texts to gather evidence and then create a persuasive anti-vaping infographic/poster for a teen audience
• Duration: 60 min
• Standards aligned with: Common Core State Standards ELA, Next Generation Science Standards, National Health Education Standards
• Sources: FDA Tobacco Education Resource Library

*Note: The materials in this lesson were previously part of Scholastic and the FDA’s “The Real Cost of Vaping” program (previously included in this Toolkit). The program was moved to the FDA Tobacco Education Resource Library and reworked into several separate lessons.

*Note: You will need to create a free account in the FDA Tobacco Education Resource Library to access resources.

NEW! Teens and Vaping: The Real Health Consequences

• Includes lesson plan, Vaping 101 Articles, and Get the Facts About Vaping Activity
• Teaches about the health impacts associated with using e-cigarettes
• Duration: 50 min
• Standards aligned with: Common Core State Standards ELA and Next Generation Science Standards

NEW! Vaping Research Project

• Includes lesson plan, Vaping 101 Articles, and Plan an E-Cigarette Survey Activity
• Teaches students about the health consequences of e-cigarette use through a project where they design and conduct a survey at school
• Duration: 40 min
• Standards aligned with: Common Core State Standards Math & ELA, Computer Science, and Next Generation Science Standards

NEW! Sizing Up E-Cigarette Marketing

• Includes lesson plan, Vaping 101 Articles, Decode the Marketing Message Activities 1 & 2
• Teaches how to uncover the misleading ways e-cigarettes are marketed to teens
• Duration: 45 min
• Standards aligned with: Common Core State Standards ELA and Computer Science

Tobacco Prevention Toolkit: Nicotine Addiction

• Includes educator crash courses, PowerPoint with speakers notes, factsheets, and more
• Teaches students about the adolescent brain, addiction, and nicotine
• Duration: 3 class periods
• Source(s): Stanford Medicine

CATCH My Breath

• Includes 4 classroom lessons, virtual field trips, supplemental materials, free and paid teacher trainings, student self-paced modules, and paid video lessons
• Lessons teach the consequences of e-cigarette use, refusal skills and smart exit strategies, the role of advertising in e-cigarette use, and goal setting regarding e-cigarette use
• Duration: 4 35-min lessons
• Sample Lesson
• Sources: CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health), The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health

Note: The free curriculum is available to all U.S. schools. Click to register. Paid add-ons are also available.

E-Cigarettes: Is it Worth it?

• Includes educator/nurse instructional guide with instructions for 3 activities, 3 activity sheets for students, classroom poster, student toolkit, and parent/guardian letter
• Teaches the health risks of e-cigarette use and other tobacco product by looking at expert perspectives on tobacco use, advertising, and research
• Duration: 1-3 class periods
• Standard aligned with: National Health Education Standards, National Standards for Science in Personal and Social Perspectives, Common Core State Standards English Language Arts, History/Social Sciences, & Science
• Source(s): Young Minds Inspired, Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, CVS Health

*Also available in Spanish

Taking Down Tobacco

• Includes teaching kit/lesson plan with instructions for 3 activities and follow-up, 3 activity sheets for students, classroom poster, 2 videos, parent/guardian letter, and student research resources
• Teaches about the risks of tobacco use and exposure to nicotine by reflecting on their personal experience with tobacco use, creating a PSA, and creating a poster about the impact of tobacco advertising
• Standards aligned with: National Health Education Standards, National Standards for Family and Consumer Sciences, Common Core State Standards English Language Arts, History/Social Sciences, & Science
• Source: Young Minds Inspired, Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, CVS Health

E-Cigarettes: What You Need to Know

• Includes lesson plan with student article, worksheet, critical thinking questions, vocabulary lists, and writing prompts
• Teaches about the potential risks of electronic cigarettes; how e-cigarette marketing strategies are designed and how they might influence teens; and, critical thinking
• Standards aligned with: Common Core State Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, National Science Education Standards, and National Council for Social Studies
• Source(s): National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) & Scholastic

Know the Risks: A Youth Guide to E-cigarettes

• Includes a PowerPoint presentation and teacher talking points
• Educates youth on e-cigarettes, including health risks, the factors that lead to e-cigarette use, and what youth can do to avoid all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes
• Source: CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health (OSH)

Student Self-Paced Lessons

Vaping: know the truth.

• Grade level: 8
• Duration: 4 5-10 min lessons (total duration 30-40 min)
• Includes 4 self-led digital lessons with pre-and post-assessments and real-time score reporting
• Teaches students about the dangers of e-cigarette use and connects students who are currently using e-cigarettes to Truth Initiative’s text message quit vaping program, This is Quitting
• Standards: National Health Education Standards
• Source: EVERFI and Truth Initiative in collaboration with Kaiser Permanente and the American Heart Association

Note: Educators must create a free EVERFI Teacher account to get started and then invite students to their class using a unique registration code. This resource is free to use.

Additional Resources

New mind matters: the body’s response to nicotine, tobacco and vaping.

• Includes a student booklet and a  Teacher’s Guide  with suggested classroom activities
• Student booklet is available online (with video) or for download
• Explains what nicotine is, the health effects of nicotine, and what vaping devices are and how they work
• Sources(s): National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

NEW! Tobacco Prevention Toolkit: Factsheets

• Includes multiple factsheets on e-cigarettes and vape pens, hookah and smokeless tobacco, and tobacco basics,
• Sources(s): Stanford Medicine

NEW! Fact: Vaping Harms Your Health (Infographic)

• Includes infographics for student “Fact: Vaping Harms Your Health”
• Sources(s): FDA Tobacco Education Resource Library

*Note: See below for 2 FDA Tobacco Education Resource Library infographics for parents/caregivers.

Resources for Parents & Caregivers

New fda tobacco education resource library infographics for parents & caregivers.

• Includes 2 infographics for parents/caregivers: “Vaping Facts and Misperceptions” and “How to Talk to Kids About Vaping Risks”

*Note: See above for an FDA Tobacco Education Resource Library infographics for students.

Vaping Fact Sheet

• Includes link to order vaping fact sheets
• Includes information that can be used throughout the community to inform parents about the dangers of vaping, data on youth e-cigarette use and the role of tobacco industry tactics
• Source(s): Massachusetts Health Promotion Clearinghouse

E-Cigarettes Shaped Like USB Flash Drives: Information for Parents, Educators, and Health Care Providers

• Includes infographic that gives an overview of E-cigarettes
• Provides brief description of the effects of e-cigarettes on the developing brain, and Helpful next steps for educators, parents, and health care providers about how to reduce the use of e-cigarettes among young people
• Source(s): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Teachers and Parents: That USB Stick Might Be an E-Cigarette (Poster)

• Includes infographic with overview of e-cigarettes
• Focuses on summarizing e-cigarettes and their risks

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Evidence-based youth vaping prevention program.

Empowering youth to be vape free.

CATCH My Breath’s peer-led teaching approach empowers students with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions about e-cigarettes and resist social pressures to vape. Informed by tobacco youth prevention researchers and practitioners, years of real world implementation , and a youth advisory board , it is the only school-based vaping prevention program proven to reduce the likelihood of vaping among youth.

Youth informed.

Meet Our Youth Board of Advisors

*NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS — DUE APRIL 15, 2022*

Parents & Community

Note: If you have technical issues playing the parent/community videos in this section, try our YouTube playlist .

Program Information for Parents

Introduction letter to parents, parent information handout.

English version  /  Spanish version

Parent Toolkit Grades 5-12

This toolkit is a way for parents to learn more about the vaping epidemic, gauge their child’s risk of trying e-cigarettes, and find the best strategy for them to talk to their child about e-cigarettes.

Parent Toolkit Videos

Video one: the youth vaping epidemic.

Youth vaping is on the rise and parents need to be equipped with e-cigarette knowledge. This video covers four facts about youth vaping and how your child might be impacted by the epidemic.

Video Two: Strategies to Support Your Child’s Healthy Decisions

Checking in with your child can help them make healthy decisions, including the decision to not use e-cigarettes. In this video, you will learn simple, yet effective ways to check in with your child and support healthy decisions.

Video Three: Could Your Child be Vaping?

E-cigarettes can sometimes be hard to spot, making your job as a parent more challenging. In this video, you will learn how to identify e-cigarette and vaping products. You will also learn of common signs of vaping and nicotine addiction.

Video Four: 4 Reasons to Talk to Your Child about E-Cigarettes Today

Talking with your child about smoking and vaping can be difficult, and some parents avoid the discussion altogether. In this video, you will learn the important reasons why you should talk with your child about vaping.

Video Five: How to Talk to Your Child about E-Cigarettes

Talking to your child about smoking and vaping doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this video, you will learn four tips to effectively talk with your child about vaping.

Parent Toolkit Grades K-4

It’s vital to start early when it comes to educating parents and caregivers about the dangers of vaping and the exposure that even elementary students have to vaping and misinformation about it. Our parent education resources for parents of younger children include an informational video , along with a fact sheet and parent-child activity , both of which can be shared digitally or printed and shared as handouts.

English Version / Spanish Version

Parent-Child Activity

Parent / community presentations.

Help fellow parents or community members stay informed about the youth vaping epidemic and prevention efforts by hosting an educational presentation. This presentation provides basic information about e-cigarettes & vaping products, the extent of the youth vaping epidemic, short- and long-term effects of vaping, and explains how to engage in your community, including how CATCH My Breath can help schools.

Presentation Options

• Pre-recorded video presentation (below)
• Self-serve, downloadable presentation slides (includes slide-by-slide scripting in the notes section)
• Live webinar delivered by a CATCH My Breath staff member (available on a limited basis, please email [email protected] for information)

Parent / Community Presentation Video (English)

Parent / Community Presentation Video (Spanish)

E-Cigarette Background Information

What is an e-cigarette.

E-cigarettes are a type of electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) and their appearance can vary from resembling a conventional cigarette to a USB flash drive. They use a nicotine liquid often called e-liquid or e-juice, which is often sweet or candy flavored, to deliver nicotine to the body. While they were developed as a means to help smokers quit, they have rapidly become the new means of nicotine addiction, especially among young people. The following video explains e-cigarettes in detail.

What does an E-cigarette look like?

E-cigarettes can take on many different shapes and forms and they can vary in name. Today, E-cigarettes include brands such as JUUL, Blu,Vapor Fi, PHIX,Suorin Air, My Jet, and PULSE. Below you can see examples of (1) disposable e-cigarettes, (2) reusable “tanks” or “mods” (3) Suorin drops, (4) and JUULs. Although there are a lot of e-cigarette options available, JUUL is currently the most popular e-cigarette in the United States with roughly 75% of the market share.

How common is E-cigarette use?

As of 2020, 19.6% of high school students and 4.7% of middle school students across the U.S. have used E-cigarettes in the past 30 days. This data points to the fact that large numbers of American children will become addicted to nicotine and are at risk for becoming a regular tobacco user.

CDC: 2020 National Youth Tobacco Survey

How harmful are e-cigarettes?

• E-cigarettes are a source of extremely high doses of ultrafine particles in the human respiratory system. These particles have been linked to cardiovascular disease.
• Nicotine is much more addictive to the immature teen brain compared to the developed adult brain.
• Even a little nicotine can lead to ADHD-like symptoms and compulsive behavior, which can contribute to classroom behavior problems.
• There is some evidence that nicotine primes the brain for other drug addictions.
• Nicotine is extremely harmful to the developing fetus. There is no known safe level of nicotine exposure in utero.
• Drinking nicotine in E-juice is harmful and possibly fatal for babies and toddlers.
• Nicotine overdose symptoms include rapid heart rate, nausea, elevated blood pressure, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, convulsion, and potentially seizure and death.
• The process of heating the nicotine solution produces aldehyde, acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, and acrolein, which are known carcinogens.
• The glycerin/propylene glycol and 8,000+ flavoring chemicals in e-cigarettes have only been approved for ingestion (eating). It is not recommended by the manufacturers that these chemicals be inhaled, as they have not been widely tested for their potential sensitizing, toxic, or irritating characteristics.
• Many E-liquids are custom-mixed by individuals at home, increasing the potential for additional health risks to E-cigarette users. Even commercial E-liquids are produced with unknown manufacturing procedures, packaging materials, and purity standards.

Addicted Early

This 4-minute video follows two friends, Mari and Jake before school as they discuss a class project and Jake’s new obsession with his vape.

Additional Resources

These resources give more detailed information about e-cigarettes, the youth vaping epidemic, and other related topics.

• CDC: E-cigarette, or Vaping Product Visual Dictionary
• FDA Raises Federal Minimum Age of Sale of Tobacco Products to 21
• FDA: Limited Flavor Ban Enforcement Policy
• CDC: E-cigarettes and Youth: What Parents Need to Know
• Surgeon General: The Call to Action on E-cigarette Use Among Youth and Young Adults
• American Lung Association: E-cigarettes, “Vapes”, and JUULs: What Parents Should Know
• American Cancer Society: Questions and Answers about E-cigarettes for Parents
• American Cancer Society: What You Need to Know about E-cigarettes: For Middle and High School Students
• Science News for Students: Concerns Explode Over New Health Risks of Vaping
• Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids: Don’t Trust JUUL
• Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids: Big Tobacco is Back
• Public Health Law Center: U.S. E-Cigarette Regulations – 50 State Review
• Truth Initiative: Behind the explosive growth of JUUL
• Truth Initiative: Vaping Lingo Dictionary: A guide to popular terms and devices
• UThealth: Quick Facts About JUUL, The High Nicotine Product Hiding In Plain Sight
• Fox 32 Chicago: Vape pen explodes, shattering teenager’s jaw and knocking out some teeth

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About the Program

Proven Effective

CATCH My Breath is an evidence-based youth vaping prevention program for grades 5-12 that has been proven to substantially reduce students’ likelihood of vaping. The vape education program’s effectiveness was published in a peer-reviewed journal and the program is listed in SAMHSA’s Evidence-Based Resource Guide Series .

Robust Program & Resources

Developed by The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Public Health, the vape education program includes grade-level specific and health education standards-aligned classroom curriculum alongside a variety of engaging supplemental materials including STEM/Humanities/PE extensions, self-paced modules, and virtual field trips.

Training & Support

CATCH Global Foundation provides teacher and health educator trainings that help ensure facilitators are effective in the vape education program delivery. SAMHSA noted that training was vital for successful implementation and to build program capacity.

Program Contents

Core program.

CATCH My Breath is an evidence-based youth vaping prevention program for grades 5-12 that has been proven to substantially reduce students’ likelihood of vaping.

Classroom Sessions

The CATCH My Breath Program (grades 5, 6, 7-8, and 9-12) consists of 4 unique lessons for each grade group, that are approximately 35 minutes each. Each session includes a lesson plan with learner outcomes, a detailed outline of directions, and all materials including corresponding PowerPoint presentations.

Classroom Session Overviews

Grades 5 – 8.

Session 1: Consequences of using e-cigarettes

• Identify negative consequences of e-cigarette use.
• Describe the health hazards associated with e-cigarette use.
• Analyze the safety of flavor chemicals and their role in e-cigarette marketing.
• Analyze basic ingredients in e-liquid.

Session 2: Making our own choices

• Identify the percentage of e-cigarette users in middle school and high school and describe nonsmokers as the majority.
• Describe the harmful consequences of e-cigarette use.
• Identify reasons why teens may begin using e-cigarettes.
• Identify positive alternatives to using e-cigarettes.
• Develop, practice and demonstrate refusal skills and smart exit strategies.
• Interview an adult regarding tough choices and tobacco use.

Session 3: Don’t let them lie and win

• Recognize situations and places that may be high-risk for being offered an e-cigarette.
• Discover the amount of money the tobacco and e-cigarette industry spends on advertising its products.
• Describe the role of advertising dollars in e-cigarette use.
• Recognize indirect and direct advertising strategies.
• Recognize the covert methods that the tobacco and e-cigarette industry uses to attract new e-cigarette users.
• Analyze some of the propaganda techniques tobacco and e-cigarette companies use to sell their brand of e-cigarette.
• Develop a messaging project (warning label) that addresses misconceptions and promotes the benefits of being e-cigarette-free.

Session 4: Your Life. Your Choice.

• Review the covert methods that the tobacco and e-cigarette industry uses to attract new e-cigarette users.
• Develop and present a messaging project (warning label) that addresses misconceptions and promotes the benefits of being e-cigarette-free.
• Make a personal goal regarding e-cigarette use.

9th – 12th Grades

Session 1: Designed for Addiction

• Understand the highly-addictive nature of nicotine.
• Identify the health and social consequences of e-cigarette use.

Session 2: What could go wrong?

• Identify existing knowledge or perceptions of e-cigarettes.
• Dispel misconceptions about e-cigarettes.
• Synthesize information about the health and social consequences of using tobacco products such as e-cigarettes.
• Discover ways to quit using tobacco products (including e-cigarettes) and support peers who want to quit by offering encouragement and referring cessation resources to them.

Session 3: Co-create & hack the system

• Learn about laws, rules and regulations regarding tobacco and e-cigarettes.
• Discuss the reason behind such rules and how it applies to youth.
• Understand that they can participate actively in such policy making.

Session 4: Take Control of Your Life

• Learn to create laws and rules regarding tobacco and e-cigarette.
• Learn to communicate policies to governing agencies.

CATCH Global Foundation provides teacher and health educator trainings that help ensure facilitators are effective in program delivery. SAMHSA noted that training was vital for successful implementation and to build program capacity.

View Training Options

Program Supplements

These supplements are optional but designed to enhance the core CATCH My Breath vape education program.

Video Lessons

Available as a paid add-on option, these engaging video lessons include on-screen slides, activity prompts, and companion worksheets.

Designed for synchronous or asynchronous learning environments, we provide two delivery formats to give teachers optimal flexibility.

More Info / Purchase

STEM & Humanities Supplements

Supplementary lesson bundles are designed to be interdisciplinary and can be incorporated into everyday classroom curriculum. These supplements were developed in partnership with Discovery Education as part of the Be Vape Free initiative.

“Risks of E-Cigarettes”

Science, Health • Upper Elementary

In the Supplemental Science Bundle, students will dive into important questions such as, “what parts of the brain and body are affected by e-cigarette use” and “what harmful and toxic chemicals can be found in e-cigarettes.”

“E-Cigarette Laws & My Community”

Social Studies, English-Language Arts • Upper Elementary

In the Supplemental Humanities Bundle, students will explore how states are addressing the vaping crisis through legislation around the sale, purchase, and use of e-cigarettes. Students will investigate the evolution of their state’s laws & the purposes behind enacting those laws.

“Refuse to Lose: E-Cigarette Realities”

Science, Health • Middle School

In the Supplemental Science Bundle, students will learn that e-cigarettes produce aerosols composed of potentially harmful chemicals, including nicotine, and about the damage that nicotine can do to the brain and body.

“Take Charge of your Health: The Truth About E-Cigarettes”

Social Studies, English-Language Arts • Middle School

In the Supplemental Humanities Bundle, students will investigate credible and non-credible sources of health information to learn how to identify valid sources of information in order to make healthy decisions for themselves.

PE Supplement

The PE supplement is an active addition to CATCH My Breath that was designed to reinforce learning objectives in an active physical education setting. The supplement is available in two versions: Grades 5-8 and Grades 9-12.

Virtual Field Trips

The Virtual Field Trips (VFTs) are engaging video resources that allow educators to take their students to unique places, meet interesting people, and have immersive and educational experiences – all without leaving the classroom! Developed in partnership with Discovery Education as part of the Be Vape Free initiative, these VFTs are a great way to kickoff Red Ribbon Week (October), Tobacco Awareness Month (November), or the start of the CATCH My Breath program at your campus.

Just The Facts: A Be Vape Free Virtual Field Trip

Get ready for an exciting virtual detective story that lets your students become E-cigarette Sleuths cracking the case of vaping once and for all! Introduce students to an array of amazing special guests, and dive into the science of addiction by tracking vape aerosol on its nefarious journey from the e-cigarette all the way into the lungs, bloodstream, and brain.

Witness the thrilling conclusion of the great vape mystery by watching today! You can get your Vape Investigators excited both before and after watching the Virtual Field Trip with the companion Educator Guide.

Clearing The Air: A Be Vape Free Virtual Field Trip

Join us for a real-world virtual learning opportunity to get the facts on the vaping epidemic. Students will gain powerful insights as several teenagers share their firsthand experiences of successfully avoiding e-cigarettes, learn how to think critically about everyday influences like advertising and social media, pick up effective refusal skills and debunk common myths with a health professional. Be sure to share this important virtual learning experience with your students, as those who use e-cigarettes are at increased risk of complications from respiratory illnesses like COVID-19!

Cannabis Vaping Lessons

In the supplemental Cannabis Vaping lessons, students learn about “Fact vs. Fiction” when it comes to vaping marijuana.

Self-Paced Modules

Self-paced modules are designed to be done independently by students, but not as a substitute for the core program. The engaging and interactive content is accessed directly by students via the web. These modules were developed in partnership with Discovery Education as part of the Be Vape Free initiative.

Elementary School Self-Paced Module Video Series

Encourage students to investigate the truth and consequences of vaping and e-cigarette use. Educators may view the videos together with their students using the standards-aligned lesson plans and educator guide or assign it for students to explore independently.

Middle School Self-Paced Module: Vaping Risks Revealed

Can you get addicted to vaping? Does using e-cigarettes affect your brain? Students will have the opportunity to learn about the effects of vaping as well as strategies for making safe choices.

Instructional Details

Learning outcomes.

The overall goal of CATCH My Breath is to prevent the initiation of e-cigarette use among preteen and teen adolescents. The program is designed to help students:

• Discover that  non-use  of e-cigarettes is the norm for adolescents
• Identify reasons why young people might start using e-cigarettes
• Recognize the subtle, and not so subtle, messages in e-cigarette advertising
• Practice skills for resisting peer pressure and advertising pressure to use e-cigarettes
• Decide on their personal reasons not to use e-cigarettes and set goals for future non-use

The intended outcomes are to ensure that students will:

• Resist their own curiosity, peer and advertising pressure to experiment with e-cigarettes
• Understand that e-cigarettes are addictive, unhealthy, and not as popular as they think
• Influence friends and peers not to use e-cigarettes

Educational Strategies

• Social & Emotional Learning (SEL)
• Peer-facilitated cooperative learning groups*
• Large-group discussions
• Analysis of mass media
• Goal setting

*The use of peer group facilitators ensures cultural appropriateness for students across socioeconomic groups, cultures, ethnicities, and regions in the United States. In addition, same-age peers are more likely than teachers or outsiders to speak the same “peer language” and have the same perspective as the students.

CATCH My Breath activities were designed to influence social and psychological factors related to youth e-cigarette use by:

• Disrupting the norm held by youth that most teens smoke e-cigarettes
• Developing skills to resist peer pressure and advertising pressure to use e-cigarettes
• Understanding how advertising is designed to undermine credible health information
• Creating favorable non-smoking attitudes and beliefs about e-cigarettes

Standards & Alignments

National academic standards.

CDC National Academic Standard for Health Education

• Standard 1   Students will comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention to enhance health.
• Standard 2  Students will analyze the influence of family, peers, culture, media, technology, and other factors on health behaviors.
• Standard 3  Students will demonstrate the ability to access valid information, products, and services to enhance health.
• Standard 4  Students will demonstrate the ability to use interpersonal communication skills to enhance health and avoid or reduce health risks.
• Standard 5  Students will demonstrate the ability to use decision-making skills to enhance health.
• Standard 6  Students will demonstrate the ability to use goal-setting skills to enhance health.
• Standard 7   Students will demonstrate the ability to practice health-enhancing behaviors and avoid or reduce health risks.
• Standard 8  Students will demonstrate the ability to advocate for personal, family, and community health.

English/Language Arts Standards (Grade 6-8)

Listening and speaking.

• Plays a variety of roles in group discussion
• Asks questions to seek elaboration and clarification of ideas
• Conveys a clear main point when speaking to others and stays on the topic being discussed
• Makes oral presentations to the class

Viewing Media (Advertising) (Grades 6-8)

• Knows that people with special interests and expectations are the target audience for particular messages or products in visual media
• Understands techniques used in visual media to influence or appeal to a particular audience

Life Skills (Grades 6-8)

Thinking and reasoning.

• Identifies alternative courses of action and predicts likely consequences of each
• Examines alternatives for resolving local problems and compares the possible consequences of each
• Identifies situations in the community and in one’s personal life in which a decision is required
• Predicts the consequences of selecting each alternative
• Takes action to implement the decision, when appropriate

Working with Others (Grades K-12)

• Contributes to the overall effort of a group
• Uses conflict-resolution techniques
• Displays effective interpersonal relationship skills
• Demonstrates leadership skills (e.g., peer group facilitators)

Self-regulation (Grades K-12)

• Sets and manages goals
• Considers risks
• Demonstrates perseverance
• Maintains a healthy self-concept
• Restrains impulsivity

Common Core Standards

Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration (Grade 5)

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on  grade 5 topics and texts , building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.1.A Come to discussions prepared, having read or studied required material; explicitly draw on that preparation and other information known about the topic to explore ideas under discussion.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.1.B Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions and carry out assigned roles.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.1.C Pose and respond to specific questions by making comments that contribute to the discussion and elaborate on the remarks of others.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.1.D Review the key ideas expressed and draw conclusions in light of information and knowledge gained from the discussions.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.2 Summarize a written text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.3 Summarize the points a speaker makes and explain how each claim is supported by reasons and evidence.

Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.4 Report on a topic or text or present an opinion, sequencing ideas logically and using appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details to support main ideas or themes; speak clearly at an understandable pace.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.5 Include multimedia components (e.g., graphics, sound) and visual displays in presentations when appropriate to enhance the development of main ideas or themes.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.6 Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, using formal English when appropriate to task and situation. (See grade 5 Language standards 1 and 3  here  for specific expectations.)

Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration (Grade 6)

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1.A Come to discussions prepared, having read or studied required material; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence on the topic, text, or issue to probe and reflect on ideas under discussion.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1.B Follow rules for collegial discussions, set specific goals and deadlines, and define individual roles as needed.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1.C Pose and respond to specific questions with elaboration and detail by making comments that contribute to the topic, text, or issue under discussion.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1.D Review the key ideas expressed and demonstrate understanding of multiple perspectives through reflection and paraphrasing.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.2 Interpret information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how it contributes to a topic, text, or issue under study.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.3 Delineate a speaker’s argument and specific claims, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not.

Speaking and Listening: Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas (Grade 6)

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.4 Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically and using pertinent descriptions, facts, and details to accentuate main ideas or themes; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.5 Include multimedia components (e.g., graphics, images, music, sound) and visual displays in presentations to clarify information.

Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration (Grade 7)

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.1.A Come to discussions prepared, having read or researched material under study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence on the topic, text, or issue to probe and reflect on ideas under discussion.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.1.B Follow rules for collegial discussions, track progress toward specific goals and deadlines, and define individual roles as needed.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.1.C Pose questions that elicit elaboration and respond to others’ questions and comments with relevant observations and ideas that bring the discussion back on topic as needed.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.1.D Acknowledge new information expressed by others and, when warranted, modify their own views.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.2 Analyze the main ideas and supporting details presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how the ideas clarify a topic, text, or issue under study.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.3 Delineate a speaker’s argument and specific claims, evaluating the soundness of the reasoning and the relevance and sufficiency of the evidence.

Speaking and Listening: Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas (Grade 7)

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.4 Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with pertinent descriptions, facts, details, and examples; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.5 Include multimedia components and visual displays in presentations to clarify claims and findings and emphasize salient points.

Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration (Grade 8)

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 8 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.1.A Come to discussions prepared, having read or researched material under study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence on the topic, text, or issue to probe and reflect on ideas under discussion.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.1.B Follow rules for collegial discussions and decision-making, track progress toward specific goals and deadlines, and define individual roles as needed.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.1.C Pose questions that connect the ideas of several speakers and respond to others’ questions and comments with relevant evidence, observations, and ideas.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.1.D Acknowledge new information expressed by others, and, when warranted, qualify or justify their own views in light of the evidence presented.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.2 Analyze the purpose of information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and evaluate the motives (e.g., social, commercial, political) behind its presentation.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.3 Delineate a speaker’s argument and specific claims, evaluating the soundness of the reasoning and relevance and sufficiency of the evidence and identifying when irrelevant evidence is introduced.

Speaking and Listening: Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas (Grade 8)

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.4 Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence, sound valid reasoning, and well-chosen details; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.5 Integrate multimedia and visual displays into presentations to clarify information, strengthen claims and evidence, and add interest.

Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration (Grades 9-10)

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1 Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9-10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1.A Come to discussions prepared, having read and researched material under study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence from texts and other research on the topic or issue to stimulate a thoughtful, well-reasoned exchange of ideas.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1.B Work with peers to set rules for collegial discussions and decision-making (e.g., informal consensus, taking votes on key issues, presentation of alternate views), clear goals and deadlines, and individual roles as needed.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1.C Propel conversations by posing and responding to questions that relate the current discussion to broader themes or larger ideas; actively incorporate others into the discussion; and clarify, verify, or challenge ideas and conclusions.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1.D Respond thoughtfully to diverse perspectives, summarize points of agreement and disagreement, and, when warranted, qualify or justify their own views and understanding and make new connections in light of the evidence and reasoning presented.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.2 Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.3 Evaluate a speaker’s point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric, identifying any fallacious reasoning or exaggerated or distorted evidence.

Speaking and Listening: Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas (Grades 9-10)

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.4 Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and task.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.5 Make strategic use of digital media (e.g., textual, graphical, audio, visual, and interactive elements) in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.6 Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. (See grades 9-10 Language standards 1 and 3  here  for specific expectations.)

Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration (Grades 11-12)

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1 Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 11-12 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1.A Come to discussions prepared, having read and researched material under study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence from texts and other research on the topic or issue to stimulate a thoughtful, well-reasoned exchange of ideas.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1.B Work with peers to promote civil, democratic discussions and decision-making, set clear goals and deadlines, and establish individual roles as needed.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1.C Propel conversations by posing and responding to questions that probe reasoning and evidence; ensure a hearing for a full range of positions on a topic or issue; clarify, verify, or challenge ideas and conclusions; and promote divergent and creative perspectives.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1.D Respond thoughtfully to diverse perspectives; synthesize comments, claims, and evidence made on all sides of an issue; resolve contradictions when possible; and determine what additional information or research is required to deepen the investigation or complete the task.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.2 Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) in order to make informed decisions and solve problems, evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source and noting any discrepancies among the data.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.3 Evaluate a speaker’s point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric, assessing the stance, premises, links among ideas, word choice, points of emphasis, and tone used.

Speaking and Listening: Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas (Grades 11-12)

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.4 Present information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective, such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning, alternative or opposing perspectives are addressed, and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and a range of formal and informal tasks.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.5 Make strategic use of digital media (e.g., textual, graphical, audio, visual, and interactive elements) in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.6 Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating a command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. (See grades 11-12 Language standards 1 and 3  here  for specific expectations.)

CASEL Standards

Self-awareness.

The ability to accurately recognize one’s own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behavior. The ability to accurately assess one’s strengths and limitations, with a well-grounded sense of confidence, optimism, and a “growth mindset.”

• Identifying emotions
• Accurate self-perception
• Recognizing strengths
• Self-confidence
• Self-efficacy

Self-Management

The ability to successfully regulate one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in different situations — effectively managing stress, controlling impulses, and motivating oneself. The ability to set and work toward personal and academic goals.

• Impulse control
• Stress management
• Self-discipline
• Self-motivation
• Goal-setting
• Organizational skills

Social Awareness

The ability to take the perspective of and empathize with others, including those from diverse backgrounds and cultures. The ability to understand social and ethical norms for behavior and to recognize family, school, and community resources and supports.

• Perspective-taking
• Appreciating diversity
• Respect for others

Relationship Skills

The ability to establish and maintain healthy and rewarding relationships with diverse individuals and groups. The ability to communicate clearly, listen well, cooperate with others, resist inappropriate social pressure, negotiate conflict constructively, and seek and offer help when needed.

• Communication
• Social engagement
• Relationship-building

Responsible Decision-Making

The ability to make constructive choices about personal behavior and social interactions based on ethical standards, safety concerns, and social norms. The realistic evaluation of consequences of various actions, and a consideration of the well-being of oneself and others.

• Identifying problems
• Analyzing situations
• Solving problems
• Ethical responsibility

Proven Effectiveness

Evidence-based.

A peer-reviewed study of CATCH My Breath found that students in schools that implemented the program were half as likely to experiment with e-cigarettes over the following 16 months, compared with those in schools that did not receive the program. The publication of the findings in Public Health Reports – the official journal of the U.S. Surgeon General – makes CATCH My Breath recognized as an evidence-based youth vaping prevention program. The study also found the program increased student knowledge of vaping dangers and positive perceptions about choosing a vape-free lifestyle.

Program impact on an average middle school’s 7th grade class (192 students):

No Intervention

17 will try e-cigarettes if we do nothing.

Intervention: CATCH My Breath

8 would be prevented with CATCH My Breath.

SAMHSA-Recognized

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recognized CATCH My Breath as the only recommended school-level youth vaping intervention in their Evidence-Based Resource Guide Series . SAMHSA noted that receiving training on CATCH My Breath was “vital” for successful implementation of the program and to build program capacity.

Want help developing a plan to use SAMHSA grant funds to implement tobacco youth prevention by CATCH My Breath in your community? Contact our program experts .

Community Tested

Chicago public schools, chicago, il.

CATCH My Breath kicked off in Chicago Public Schools (CPS) during the 2017-2018 school year thanks to the grant from CVS Health Foundation. Starting with five schools reaching just over 1,000 students, the program diffused throughout the district by word […]

CATCH My Breath was created in 2016 at The University of Texas School of Public Health (UTHealth) in Austin. Dr. Steven H. Kelder developed the curriculum as a response to the 900% spike in youth e-cigarette use from 2011-2015. The […]

See All CATCH My Breath Spotlights

Get Started Schools & Organizations

Program options contact us with any questions or for more information., catch my breath vaping prevention curriculum (free to u.s. schools).

– Includes –

Pre-Recorded Training

Free Program Supplements

• Create or sign into your CATCH.org account.
• Click this link to enroll.
• Click "Let's Go!" on the CATCH My Breath program tile .

Access includes English & Spanish versions of the core curriculum for grades 5-12.

Optional CATCH My Breath Add-Ons (Single Sign On Available for Districts)

Video Lessons ($49 / school) Purchase

Live Implementation Training ($99 / seat) Purchase

Live Train-the-Trainer Training ($425 / seat) Purchase

Video Lessons + Live Implementation Training ($75-90 / educator) Purchase

Video Lessons + Live Train-the-Trainer Training ($425 / educator) Purchase

Private Training Inquire by email to [email protected]

Other Available CATCH Programs (Curriculum & Trainings)

Health Ed Journeys

PE Journeys

SEL Journeys

* RECOMMENDED *

CATCH My Breath Campus Package  ($199 / school / year)

CATCH My Breath vaping prevention curriculum

Video lesson pack with campus-wide access for grade 6 or 7/8 (+ $40 for both)

1 hour live, virtual Implementation training course - 2 seats (+ $99 / additional seats)

Training Options

Implementation.

Event link information will be sent one business day prior to the session. Sessions will not be recorded. Should you not be able to attend a session, email [email protected] for alternative options.

Train-the-Trainer

Support creates impact.

CATCH My Breath is the most-used youth nicotine vaping prevention program in the United States. The curriculum is offered free of cost to U.S. middle schools and high schools and has served over 1.8 million students across all 50 states in over 5,500+ schools .

To effectively scale our work and reach millions of children, CATCH My Breath relies on the generous support of our funding partners and donors, who help us bring full vape education program implementation and local capacity building services to the underserved communities who need it most.

To learn more about our sponsorship opportunities or how your company or foundation can help youth across the globe access vaping prevention education, please contact John Weidman, Director of Global Advancement, at [email protected] .

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CATCH My Breath program usage in the U.S.

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Stay informed about the important issue of youth vaping prevention and stand with other parents, teachers, public health professionals, and concerned citizens working to combat the youth e-cigarette epidemic.

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Fall Webinar Series

Become Informed & Inspired

Join us for our webinars focusing on new CATCH features to empower you this school year, and best practices for skills-based health education in various settings. Early registration for both webinars is highly encouraged.

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How to Talk to Teens About Vaping So They Will Listen

Teen vaping use is at an all time high.

Teen vaping use is at an all-time high, according to research from the National Institute of Health. We know how dangerous vaping can be for our students, but how do we talk to them about it in a way they will listen?

This free guide on teen vaping prevention can help.

Inside, you’ll find information on free anti-vaping curriculum, facts about vaping every teacher should know, myths about vaping and how to respond, and classroom discussion questions.

Plus, you’ll get a free mini poster on how vaping impacts the body

Many teens know about vaping’s impact on the lungs and respiratory system but don’t know how vaping can take a toll on the rest of their bodies. Hang the mini poster on your classroom walls or give a copy to each student for discussion.

Yes! I Want My Free Anti-Vaping Guide

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Are Kids Still Vaping?

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The vaping rate among middle and high school students is at its lowest level in a decade, according to new data from the National Youth Tobacco Survey .

The survey—from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—found that 5.9 percent of middle and high school students overall reported in 2024 that they had used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days, compared with 7.7 percent in 2023 and 20 percent in 2019 , according to the report.

Current e-cigarette use declined among high school students between 2023 (10 percent) and 2024 (7.8 percent), the report found. But there were no significant changes observed for e-cigarette use among middle school students.

The 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey collected responses from a nationally representative sample of 29,861 middle and high school students from 283 schools between Jan. 22 and May 22.

“The continued decline in e-cigarette use among our nation’s youth is a monumental public health win,” said Brian King, the director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, in a press release . “But we can’t rest on our laurels, as there’s still more work to do to further reduce youth e-cigarette use.”

While some research suggests that e-cigarettes may not be as unhealthy as traditional, “combustible” cigarettes, they still have many toxic chemicals and metals in them. They also often have higher concentrations of nicotine than traditional cigarettes and present a hazard to young, developing brains, according to research.

Steps schools can take to curb vaping and improve student health

Vaping has proven to be especially difficult for educators to police as it’s relatively easy for students to hide. Schools have become increasingly creative and desperate as they work to curb the habit, from installing vapor-detecting devices in bathrooms to creating e-cigarette buy-back programs to suing e-cigarette makers .

The FDA and CDC stressed, in the report, the role schools have in preventing youth vaping and tobacco use.

Schools can take several steps to curb vaping among their students, according to advice that experts and school leaders have shared with Education Week. Those recommendations include:

• Have clear policies and plans. Schools should have clear and well-communicated policies about the consequences for using e-cigarettes on campuses. Schools should also have plans for screening students who are addicted to e-cigarettes and getting appropriate help for those students.
• Try to avoid the use of scare tactics or discipline. These approaches won’t work without an education component. Students tune out when they hear them.
• Design an educational approach . This should be broader than just educating students on the dangers of vaping (which surveys show many adolescents don’t know about). It should also employ elements of media literacy in which students are taught to see how advertising campaigns are trying to manipulate them in unhealthy ways.
• Include adults in anti-vaping efforts in meaningful ways. Focusing only on the kids and not involving parents, caregivers, teachers, principals, coaches, and even after-school providers will fail to have a meaningful impact on curbing adolescents’ vaping use.

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Nearly 1 in 10 high school students vape, but what impact does this leave on mental health?

Take in a deep breath, hold it for five seconds, then blow it out. Count to five again. 

In the time it took you to do that, the metaphorical vape in your hand has reached your brain, creating a buzz of adrenaline and energy, according to smokefree.gov . 

Former smoker and community member Heather Ashton said the buzz of nicotine is exciting at first, which is what often draws kids to the modern-day smoking epidemic of vaping. 

Ashton grew up around smoking and can even recall the different times in her childhood when her mother would send her out for cigarettes with money and a note. Cigarettes were easily accessible to her.

She recalls she started smoking as young as twelve. 

“I don’t even know that I necessarily liked the taste, but it gave me a buzz,” Ashton said.  

Ashton can recall cigarette advertisements were frequent, showing off models and celebrities smoking. It was a cool thing at the time. 

Cigarette smoking rates are down for high school-aged youth and college students, Jordan Moss, program director with Tobacco Free Coalition of Delaware County said. Regardless of this, it doesn’t mean nicotine addictions have gone anywhere. If anything, they’re just as strong, he said. 

The new vice for this buzz is electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and vapes—something uniquely targeted to the generation of current high school and college-aged students. 

“We do always let students know that they are referred to as the guinea pig generation because we don't know the long-term effects of vaping …” Moss said, “It’s big tobacco using their exact same kind of plan to get a whole nother generation latched.” 

But beyond the negative side effects of smoking like the tar lungs and shortness of breath, many students don’t know the wide range of negative side effects a nicotine addiction can cause.

Reports have shown that vaping and using e-cigarettes can expose users to toxic amounts of cancer-causing chemicals that aren’t currently regulated by the FDA. Additionally, these chemicals create negative impacts on the brain of the user. So much so, that many popular vapes used in the United States are banned in the U.K. , Moss said.  

“Why would anyone want to be a consumer that is making someone else money but killing themselves at the same time?” Ashton questioned. 

Moss said most teens report that they started smoking because they felt anxious, depressed and stressed. 

“I would say anytime that you wake up in the morning and you're thinking, ‘This is what I have to do right now,’ it's not good for your health at all,” Ashton said, recalling the way her nicotine addiction affected her mental health as a young adult. “ … As a teenager and a young person, your brain is still developing. I'm sure that it had some residual effects that I may never know.”

Moss added this constant exposure to nicotine on the undeveloped under-25-year-old brain creates its own sets of learning impacts.

“Nicotine exposure affects learning, memory and attention span,” Moss said. 

He also added that the mental distress, which causes many teens to start smoking, only gets worse as they develop a nicotine dependency. 

According to studies referenced by the National Institute on Drug Abuse , teenagers who use e-cigarettes are more likely to continue using nicotine as adults. They also may be at greater risk of smoking conventional cigarettes later in life.

“What happens is when you use nicotine, it actually changes the way synapses are formed in your brain, which is the learning pathway or how to get back to memories and things like that,” Moss said. “That's why nicotine is so harmful, especially to those under 25.”

A nicotine addiction is a specifically difficult addiction to overcome, creating additional mental health issues on top of ones already formed by smoking. 

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse , a nicotine addiction operates and hinges on the dopamine rush you get from the buzz when you hit your vape. The initial buzz creates a dopamine hit that feels similar to a reward system in the brain.

“We have a reward system in our body [and] in our brain that starts out by doing the important things, like eating, sleeping, all those important things. And we get dopamine released, it's our happy rewards thing. It's a neurotransmitter,” said Lynn Witty, the Medical Director at the Ball State Healthy Lifestyle Center and Director of Community Organization with the Addictions Coalition of Delaware County. 

“So if you put a drug in, that can also attach to those little happy receptors and release more dopamine. You get used to it, and so you actually have to use more and more of the drug to get the same amount, or not even the same amount of that quick, happy feeling. And so over a period of time, as you're increasing your drug use, you can easily become addicted,” Witty said. 

However, both Witty and Moss credit this addiction and tolerance to nicotine as the reason why many smokers who become addicted find themselves more depressed or anxious than when they started smoking. 

“That's why people try to use nicotine replacement therapy like gum or patches. They do struggle because it's not hitting their body as quickly as that first hit,” Moss said. According to the Centers for Disease Control , withdrawal shows up in emotional changes, irritability, inability to sleep, lack of concentration and more. These are all things that can affect the mental health of someone who uses nicotine products. 

“I say all the time, if people knew how good you felt after not smoking for one year, they would never smoke,” Ashton said. “I think it's probably the same with vaping … They don't realize how bad it actually makes them feel until you're out of it.” 

Moss also stressed that nicotine addiction, especially in those under the age of 25, increases irritability, anxiety and mood swings. It can also lead to an impairment of self-control, cognition and performance.

“We're trying to tell parents [to] start as early as [they] can. If you see someone vaping in public, you know, let them know … We want to make sure we stay away from those. Those hurt our bodies,” Moss said. 

Witty adds that intervention by family and loved ones can be helpful because often addiction can become a difficult thing to overcome.

“You also have to think, if it's someone who's not trying to quit, they're looking to see how they can get a vape to use or find a place to use it,” Witty said. “And that's always in the back of your mind … The most important thing is getting that fix.” 

Ashton smoked for multiple decades of her life, quitting after having her child and realizing how much of his life she would be missing out on while smoking. For her, it’s important students of all ages know the impact smoking will have on their life. “I’d tell [young vape users] to consider if they want to be a slave to that vape for the rest of their life,” Ashton said. “If you want to be a slave to that, figure it out because when you're in college, you don't have much money. I remember times where I didn't have much money in college. I would smoke butts … You're still finding a way to do it. But is it worth it?” 

Moss encourages anyone who vapes to try and go 10 days without smoking. He says that most can’t make it, but it opens their eyes to the problem. 

For students who are ready to quit, there are resources available. 

Beyond call hotlines, textlines and virtual resources like apps, Witty highlights resources like the counseling center and the Healthy Lifestyle Center on campus for students to talk it out with someone. She encourages finding support in peers, people you can trust and loved ones. 

“Search out one of those people, someone you trust just even direct you in the you know, right direction for getting help. It's hard to do by yourself,” Witty said.

If you or a loved one are suffering from a vaping addiction and would like to get help, text DITCHVAPE to 88709.

For comments contact Olivia Ground at [email protected] or on X @liv_ground_25.

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