Quit-Smoking Programs for Schools
- Offer your program during class-time, preferably with assistance from smokers, ex-smokers or peers.
- As a compromise: If your quit smoking class is an hour long, offer the first half hour during lunch and the second half hour during the first period before/after lunch. Thus, have them give some of their free time in exchange for the school giving them 1/2 hour away from their regular classes.
- Use staggered timing so the same class is not continually missed.
- Recruit participants through announcements over the PA. Do the same to remind participants of when the class will be.
- A survey of teens found they were twice as willing to participate in a stop smoking program led by a peer, as opposed to one led by a teacher or adult not from school.
- Offer incentive: a draw at each session to win a $5 gift certificate, for those who attend. Attend all the sessions and get a reward.
- Make use of extra resources: bring in guest speakers (doctors, nutritionist, addiction services, yoga teacher), show videos, visuals.
- At Nackawic High community groups provided snacks for each session. This showed that the community supported the students in quitting smoking.
- Run a senior program first and separate from a junior program. Then allow those who are serious to remain for the junior program as mentors.
- Continue to meet with students after the classes finish, they will most likely still need support to quit smoking or remain smoke-free.
- Follow-up with students who have quit a few months down the road...this will be a good indicator of success or a chance to offer additional support if needed.
Popular Quit-Smoking Programs You Can Try
Quit 4 Life
Usually facilitated by a teacher, guidance counselor or community member...just about anyone can lead it, you don't need a degree in drug therapy. Health Canada provides free materials, including a manual with tips and advice to guide you through the sessions.
Kick the Nic
As with Quit4Life, this is usually facilitated by someone in the school. The 10 sessions include activities related to tobacco cessation: knowledge, attitude and skills development.
Addictions Services
Services for young people are offered by all Regional Addiction Services centers. For information, please contact one of the following offices:
- Bathurst (506) 547-2086
- Moncton (506) 856-2333 | Gloria LeBlanc
- Saint John (506) 674-4300 | Gerry Munn
- Fredericton (506) 452-5558 | Susan Topple-McGinley
- Edmundston (506) 735-2092
- Campbellton (506) 789-7055 | Jean-Guy Martin
- Tracadie-Sheila (506) 394-3615 | Theo Saulnier or Debbie Comeau
- Miramichi (506) 623-3375
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