Schools are a trusted source of information for pupils and families. They have a key role in helping children understand the health risks of smoking.

What schools should cover:

• the health harms of smoking
• nicotine addiction
• the difference between smoking and vaping
• how the smokefree generation works
• how to make informed and healthy choices
• where pupils can access support

How schools can support pupils:

• include smoking and vaping in Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) lessons
• promote evidence-based information
• challenge misinformation and myths
• share information with parents and carers
• signpost to local support services

As students become more independent, they may face new social pressures and opportunities to experiment with smoking or nicotine products.

How colleges can support students:

• promote accurate information and healthy lifestyles
• create smokefree learning environments
• signpost to local support
• train staff to have confident conversations about smoking and vaping

Students come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, including countries where smoking rates, vaping trends and tobacco laws may be very different. For some students, starting university may be their first experience of living independently, managing stress on their own or being exposed to new social environments where smoking or vaping is more common.

How universities can support students:

• promote smokefree campuses
• include smoking awareness in wellbeing programmes
• signpost students to stop smoking support
• share information during welcome and induction activities
• support student-led health campaigns
• provide clear information about UK tobacco laws and expectations to international students and those from different cultural backgrounds

Youth workers are trusted adults who play an important role in supporting young people's health and wellbeing.

How youth organisations can support young people:

• create safe spaces for discussion
• provide factual information
• challenge myths and misinformation
• promote healthy lifestyles
• signpost to local support services