Tobacco Use Prevention Education (TUPE)

Tobacco Use Prevention Education (TUPE) is a state-funded program in California designed to prevent tobacco use among youth and raise awareness about the dangers, including newer products created to target young people. Funded by tobacco taxes imposed under California Proposition 99 (1988) and Proposition 56 (2017), TUPE provides resources, education, and activities that help young people build the skills and knowledge to make healthy choices. TUPE also offers intervention support and cessation services for youth who are currently using tobacco products.

In Sacramento County, TUPE also supports schools and community programs by offering resources and guidance to create effective tobacco prevention initiatives. The Prevention & Early Intervention Department at the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) oversees local work, provides training, technical assistance, and resources for educators, prevention providers, community members, and parents who want to help young people stay tobacco/vape free.

Vaping (E-Cigarettes)

Vaping has been the most commonly used tobacco product among youth since 2014. E-cigarettes use a battery to heat a liquid containing nicotine, flavorings, and other additives, producing an aerosol that users inhale. This aerosol is not harmless; it can contain nicotine, heavy metals, and cancer-causing chemicals. Others can also be exposed to harmful secondhand aerosol. E-cigarettes come in youth-appealing flavors like candy, fruit, and mint, and they can also deliver marijuana or other drugs. Youth are especially vulnerable due to curiosity, social media influence, and the false belief that e-cigarettes are safe.

What’s Changed About Vaping

• High-nicotine disposable vapes are now the most common products
• Flavors and device designs intentionally mimic everyday items
• Nicotine levels can equal a pack of cigarettes or more
• Vaping is closely linked to anxiety, sleep disruption, and attention issues

Video Resources

• The Effects and Dangers of Vaping, a video produced by the Sacramento County Coalition for Youth, highlights the dangers and effects of using e-cigarettes. It features an interview with a doctor and his patient, who is a personal trainer and a former military service member.

SCOE has also produced a public service announcement video to remind families how important it is to watch for signs that teens are vaping.

Common Signs

Common signs that teens may be vaping include:

• Moody and jittery behavior—nicotine cravings and withdrawals severely affect mood and behavior
• Difficulty paying attention or staying focused—vaping can affect concentration and memory
• Decreased ability to communicate—distracted with a desire to vape and lack of ability to concentrate
• Consuming excessive amounts of water—vaping can cause “dry mouth” and cause users to be hydrated
• Fruity smells without an obvious source—vaping can have a fruity smell even if there is no smoke
• Decrease in normal activities—money spent on vaping means less money for their usual activities
• Excessive spending—funding a vaping habit takes a financial toll
• Mysterious “disappearances”—leaving the room to vape
• Possessing an abundance of USB drives and/or asthma inhalers—vaping devices can be disguised as USB drives or look similar to inhalers

Order a “Quit Kit”

Vaping “Quit Kits” are available from SCOE in English and Spanish to help support people who are trying to quit vaping. Email ocampoverde@scoe.net for information.

TUPE Services Offered in Sacramento County

• Free Youth Vaping Quit Kits (English and Spanish)—designed to help young people take the first steps towards quitting vaping and stay vape-free. Quit Kits include helpful tools and small items that support cessation efforts and encourage healthy coping strategies. Available to schools, programs, and youth.
• Free Youth Vaping Presentations—help faculty and staff build awareness and strengthen on-site student support. Parent presentations are also available, covering common warning signs, what vaping products look like, what to watch for, and how to provide support. Additional free resources and materials are available.
• Tobacco-free school certifications
• Grant writing support
• Technical assistance to districts preparing applications for grades 6–12 funding
• Current research on adolescent alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use, as well as effective intervention strategies
• Increasing student awareness of the dangers of tobacco
• Countywide training coordination

Additional Tobacco-Related Resources

• American Lung Association’s Statement on E-cigarettes
• California Department of Education
• California Youth Advocacy Network
• Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) E-Cigarettes Information
• Kick It California—coaching, text program, self-help materials
• Parents Against Vaping E-Cigs (PAVE)
• Stanford Tobacco Prevention Toolkit
• Smoke-Free
• Tobacco-Free California
• Truth Initiative

TUPE Newsletter

Get the latest prevention updates, data, and educational resources. To receive the TUPE newsletter—or to share an article, resource, or event—please email ocampoverde@scoe.net.