The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ (MDHHS) Tobacco Section observes and recognizes the challenges that can arise when addressing youth vaping within K-12 schools. To address this significant public health concern, MDHHS utilizes data from various sources, including the Michigan Youth Tobacco Survey (MYTS), to assist schools and communities with sustainable strategies to assist in building restorative care. According to the MYTS, e-cigarettes are the common tobacco nicotine delivery system among youth, with more than half (55%) of youth users identifying their initiation age, as 13 or younger. [1] The high state average of youth e-cigarette usage is impacted by e-cigarettes being intentionally designed to allure and addict youth with bright colored packaging, aggressive marketing, affordability, flavors, and very high concentrations of nicotine.
Youth addiction to e-cigarettes is driven by high concentrations of nicotine and other substances that are found in e-cigarettes. Punitive actions in response to vaping and nicotine addiction are ineffective at addressing core motivations and behaviors. Punitive discipline, like out of school suspensions, citations (minor in possession), and probation strategies, adversely impact students’ mental health and academic performance, while increasing isolation or poor social connection and unhealthy habits to evade punitive consequences. By providing alternative to suspension programing and tobacco dependence treatment programs, students can address addiction, motivations, and behaviors for vaping while supported in their quit journey. To assist with addressing these complexities, the Tobacco Section is partnering with the American Lung Association (ALA) to increase access to evidence-based restorative care programs and resources. K-12 schools will build confident knowledge on how to address challenges effectively and compassionately while addressing youth vaping addiction through trainings, technical support, alternative to suspension programs, and development of comprehensive policies.
The partnership will assist K-12 schools “Kick the Nic” based on ALA’s Vape Free School Initiative. The initiative includes support in developing alternative to suspension policies and evidence-based intervention components. The first component is the alternative to suspension program Intervention for Nicotine Dependence: Education, Prevention, Tobacco and Health (INDEPTH), next is the school-based tobacco product and vaping cessation program Not on Tobacco (N-O-T®), and finally is the ACT to Address Youth Cessation Training (ACT). This initiative’s design is to assist schools through the complexity of youth e-cigarette epidemic by supporting students and encouraging quit attempts with support.
- INDEPTH is an interactive alternative to suspension or citation program. This program is facilitated by a trained adult in one-on-one or small group settings. These four, 50-minutes sessions educate students about tobacco/nicotine addiction and making healthy choices into habits, including initiating quit attempts through evidence-based programs.
- N-O-T® is a school-based cessation program for youth who are contemplating quitting commercial tobacco. N-O-T® trained adults facilitate and assist youth in quitting tobacco by educating youth on healthy habits and utilizing healthy alternatives to support their quit.
- ACT is an intervention training that gives an overview for healthcare professionals, school personnel, and community members in youth/adolescent supportive roles in conducting a brief intervention for youth who use commercial tobacco.
Another evidence-based treatment resource is the self-guided Michigan youth tobacco quitting program, My Life My Quit. This program is free to Michigan youth ages 13-17 and can be utilized as an alternative to suspension. Youth will receive one-on-one support with trained coaches through live texting, online chat, or by phone. My Life My Quit has a live app.
Many schools nationwide are relying on vape detectors to address student vaping. There is no clear evidence or data supporting these devices are successful in reducing youth vaping. Vape detectors are expensive to maintain and require continued maintenance, which can deplete allotted budgets and strain other resources. Detectors don’t have evidence-based prevention curriculum with purchase and contracts do not include restorative strategies to support youth. Additionally, these vape detectors are inconsistent, inaccurate, and can increase strained relationships between students, staff, and administration. The Tobacco Section recommends a prevention and restorative approach to empower students to make whole body healthy habits.
Recommendations for K-12 districts and schools are:
- Prevention education implemented in 4th or 5th grade with continuation prevention education throughout middle school years.
- Alternative to suspension policies provide a supportive approach to reduce vaping and encourage students to quit.
- Provide supportive resources, including tobacco dependence treatment programs (commonly referred to as cessation programs or quit programs).
- Foster a holistic support community for teens struggling with nicotine addiction through community tobacco education.
The Tobacco Section offers free training opportunities for community members over 21 years of age and technical assistance for K-12 schools, to collaborate on implementation of supportive consequences for students caught vaping or using other tobacco or nicotine products. To request assistance or learn more contact Grace Rudolph, MPH at rudolphg2@michigan.gov
[1] Shamo, F. (2023). [Unpublished raw data on 2023 Youth Tobacco Use in Michigan]. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Tobacco Prevention and Control.