Students and Substance Use

Help students learn about the risks of substances like cannabis, alcohol, and nicotine through interactive activities. This program also teaches about:

• How substance use impacts brain development

• Marketing tactics aimed at youth

Check out the Use your Instincts page for the interactive activities

Engage students with puzzles and challenges that teach:

• The health impacts of vaping and nicotine

• How to recognize and think critically about youth-targeted marketing strategies

Get all the resources needed for the Not an Experiment: Escape Room Experience

This 14-session program helps Grade 7 and 8 students strengthen their communication and relationship skills. It’s offered in collaboration with school staff and boards.

Get resources for the Healthy Relationships Plus Program

These resources are designed to reduce substance use harms among children and youth. They focus on:

• Positive youth development.

• The Comprehensive School Health Framework.

• Including youth voices to create programs that meet their needs.

View resources on positive strategies for substance use prevention

This resource from the Students Commission of Canada and the Joint Consortium for School Health includes:

• Three videos: one for Grades 6–8, one for Grades 9–12, and one for educators.

• Discussion guides and resource lists to help foster conversations about preventing substance use harms.

View educational videos and tools for students and educators on youth substance use

Fact sheets for secondary schools: a 6-page guide from Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) with key facts about vaping, risks, and resources to help educators talk to students.

Fact sheets for elementary schools: a 7-page guide from Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) with key facts about vaping, risks, and resources to help educators talk to students at grade appropriate levels.

Activities to teach about cannabis harms: This resource was created by youth to help educators lead discussions about the risks of cannabis use. It includes activities designed to engage students in meaningful conversations.

This toolkit includes curriculum-based resources and activities to help prevent substance use. It’s designed for both elementary and secondary schools to support substance use education.

• Elementary School: Check out the substance use prevention and harm reduction toolkit

• Secondary School: Explore our school-based toolkit for reducing substance use

This resource helps parents talk with their teens about alcohol. It encourages moderation and low-risk drinking to support healthy choices and reduce the risks of alcohol use. It’s a great way to promote open, honest conversations that can make a positive difference.

Start the conversation about low-risk drinking

This web page offers short, practical advice for parents on how to discuss substance use with their kids. It’s perfect for starting meaningful and supportive conversations about making healthy decisions.

Simple tips for talking about substance use

This resource provides tips and facts to help parents start meaningful conversations about vaping. Learn how to talk with youth about the effects of vaping and encourage healthy, informed decisions.

Help youth make informed choices about vaping

This online guide explains what vaping is, the risks involved, and how to talk with teens about it. It’s a helpful tool for parents who want to support their kids in making safe and informed choices.

What parents need to know about vaping

This program is designed for youth and young adults aged 14–30 who want to quit smoking or vaping. It lets you create a personalized plan to help you quit and stay smoke-free for good.

Free help to quit smoking and vaping

This short guide from Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) explains the risks of vaping, the laws that prohibit vaping for youth, and basic skills for saying “no” when pressured to vape.

Get the facts about vaping for youth

This self-guided module is for youth aged 13–18. It includes videos and activities on:

• The risks of vaping and nicotine use

• Canadian vaping laws

• How peer pressure plays a role

It’s packed with information to help you make healthy choices and understand the true costs of vaping.

Interactive learning about vaping

These training modules, created by youth, teach about the risks of cannabis use, its social impacts, and how to prevent harm. They offer practical tools to help youth make safe and informed decisions.

View the by youth, for youth modules on learning about cannabis