Module 2:
How TO LIVE THE LIFE
Now that you know what commercial tobacco is and have a basic understanding of the different types of tobacco products and how they can harm both physical and mental health, you need to learn how to protect yourself and your friends by sharing what you have learned.
This module will cover:
● Healthy ideas to live your life tobacco and vape free
● State and national resources you can use to learn more information
HEALTHY IDEAS TO LIVE THE LIFE
Handling Pressure
The people you choose to spend time with can influence your choices from what you wear to what you do when you hang out with friends. That’s why it’s important to spend time with people who support healthy decisions and respect your boundaries.
Teens are often introduced to tobacco products by their friends and peers. Sometimes, you may be in a situation where people around you are vaping or using different tobacco products. They may pressure you to do what they are doing, or you might feel like you have to, so you feel accepted by the group. The best thing you can do is stand up for yourself by putting your health first. It is important to know how to say “no.”
In some situations, saying no is as simple as walking away or changing the subject, but other times it takes confidence and courage to stand up to someone. Here are a few tips when saying no:
1. Keep your answer short, clear, and confident.
2. Use body language that matches your words, so stand tall and confident.
3. Suggest another activity like, “let’s go get food instead.”
4. Have a supportive friend who also chooses to stay tobacco-free.
Read each scenario below and come up with your own creative, realistic way to say no. Then, click each response tab to see a possible solution and compare it with your idea.
Scenario 1
POV: You're at a party and everyone seems to have a vape in hand. You're tempted to join in even though you know the health effects of vaping. What would you do?
Response 1
SOLUTION: In this situation, it would be best to move to a different space where people are not vaping or leave the party. You might say, “I’m not into vaping. I’m going to hang out over here instead.”
Scenario 2
POV: You and your friends decide to go to the gas station to get snacks after school. When you get in line to pay, one of your friends pulls out a fake ID to buy a vape for all of you to try. What would you do?
Response 2
SOLUTION: Tell them you don’t want to be involved and that it’s not worth the health risks or getting in trouble with the law. You could say, “I don’t want to risk my health for a vape. I’m just here for snacks.”
Scenario 3
POV: You're at a family gathering and one of your older cousins gets up from the table and goes outside. When you check up on them, they are vaping. They tell you not to snitch and ask if you want to join them. What would you do?
Response 3
SOLUTION: You might say, “I care about you, but I am not vaping. I’m going back inside with everyone else.”
Handling Stress
It’s also important to find healthy ways to cope with stress, anxiety, and everything else that comes with being a teen. When young people find positive ways to deal with their feelings, they are less likely to rely on substances or other unhealthy behaviors to feel better. Supportive friends, family members, teachers, and mentors can help you live a healthy life, even when you feel stressed, overwhelmed, or pressured.
There are simple things you can do to help manage life when it gets stressful. Things like:
● Stretching
● Deep breathing
● Talking to someone you trust
● Listening to music, drawing, or journaling
● Going for a walk, playing a sport, or moving your body in a fun way
STATE AND NATIONAL RESOURCES
One of the most important things you can do is to continue learning about the dangers of tobacco products. Having access to accurate information can help you make informed decisions about your health.
If you want to learn more about the dangers of tobacco products and how the tobacco industry targets teens, you can complete other training modules on the Say What! website.
You can also visit other state and national resources below to learn more about youth tobacco prevention efforts in Texas and across the nation.
STATE RESOURCES
Texas Department of State Health Services – Shares information, programs, and resources to help prevent tobacco use across the state.
CATCH My Breath – An e-cigarette prevention curriculum designed for middle and high school students.
ASPIRE – A free, bilingual, online training designed as a video game that helps teens learn about the benefits of living tobacco-free.
NATIONAL RESOURCES
Truth Initiative – Focuses on educating youth about tobacco and supporting research, policy, and community action to reduce use.
The Real Cost – A campaign that uses facts, videos, and media to help prevent youth tobacco use.
Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids – Works to reduce tobacco use by advocating for policy change and empowering young people to take action.
Say What! EST. 2011
Home | About | Resources | Events | Speak Up | Login
|
|
|
|
Phone
512.245.8082
Mailing Address
Texas School Safety Center
ATTN: Say What Program
Texas State University
601 University Drive
San Marcos, TX 78666
Say What! was created and designed by young people from across Texas and connects students interested in eliminating tobacco from their schools and communities. The Say What! movement is funded by the Texas Department of State Health Services through a contract with the
Texas School Safety Center at Texas State University.