Teachers play an important role in educating students about substance use, addictions and related behaviours. Prevention messages are most effective when shared with students early in life.
The following resources can be used by teachers in the classroom or to support school initiatives. For questions, contact our Client and Community Support Call Centre at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006 (M-F, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.) or emailclientcommunitysupport@wdgpublichealth.ca.
Community Programs and Services
Intake line to addictions, mental health and crisis services in Waterloo Wellington. Services are available for children, youth and adults. Call 1-844-HERE-247 or visit here247.ca.
Telephone and online confidential counselling and referrals for children and youth. Call 1-800-668-6868 or visitkidshelpphone.ca.
MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving)
MADD provides educational programs to prevent drug and alcohol-related automobile crashes, for Grade 8.
An educational program to address road safety risks of driving under the influence of marijuana for youth drivers.
Recommended Websites
CANNABIS
- Talking About Weed: A local evidence-based campaign to raise awareness about the health effects of cannabis use among youth and adults. It features videos, links to local resources and supports, and information on ways to reduce health risks associated with cannabis use. For grades 9-12.
- Talking Pot with Youth (PDF): A communication guide to help adults understand the youth perspective and practical ways to have a supportive conversation about cannabis with youth. For grades 9-12.
E-CIGARETTES
- Vaping: What’s the Hype?: Curriculum-linked activities for students in grades 5-9 to learn and critically think about vaping.
- Lung Health Foundation: “Talking About…” Series: Activity guides to help facilitate critical discussion with youth.
- Ontario Lung Association - What the Vape?!?!: Online module to learn about why vaping is not normal or harmless and how to take action.
- Health Canada’s Consider the Consequences of Vaping. This website provides the current facts about vaping to encourage youth to make informed choices.
TOBACCO
- Lung Health Foundation “Talking About…” Series: Activity guides to help facilitate critical discussion with youth.
- Tobacco Wise: Learn about the traditional or sacred use of tobacco by First Nations and Métis people.
- Media Smarts – Tobacco Marketing: Choose from 11 lesson plans about tobacco marketing in both traditional and digital media. Grades 4-10.
- Smoking Isn’t Cool Toolkit: Sample lesson plans, tools, and materials to help teach smoking prevention. Grades K-5.
- Smoking and Quitting: Clean Air for All: This book tells the story of Daniel and his neighbour Trev’s desire to live in a smoke-free home and apartment building. It can be accessed online or ordered for free from CAMH. Grades 3-6.
OTHER SUBSTANCES
Information on Prescription Opioids (PDF, 4 pages, 630 KB)
Information sheet for educators on prescription opioids (including fentanyl), developed by School Mental Health-Assist and The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.
A free, classroom-based substance abuse prevention curriculum for Grades 7 and 8 that is proven to reduce the experimental and continual use of drugs among students. Includes online teacher training, lesson plans, posters, videos, and newsletters.
Talking with Teenagers about Drugs
This Government of Canada webpage includes tips for talking with teens about drugs, information about cannabis, prescription drugs and other substances, and links to additional resources.