Year 7 · RSHE (PSHE) · beta

Risky substances: What do I need to know about tobacco and vaping?

This unit explores the serious health risks of smoking, vaping and nicotine products. Pupils learn why these substances are harmful, understand their impact on physical and mental health, develop strategies to resist pressure, and know how to access support for quitting.

This is an attributed Oak National Academy lesson sequence, not a completed or academically approved DASKEREL course. Supporting transcripts may depend on video, images, practical equipment or teacher explanation. Follow each lesson’s supervision guidance. For religious education and RSHE, follow the school’s syllabus, policy and safeguarding procedures.

Prior knowledge

  • Pupils should understand from Key Stage 2 that smoking is harmful to health and that breathing in smoke from cigarettes can damage the lungs and body.
  • Pupils should know basic strategies for saying no to peer pressure from previous units, including being confident in their own choices and seeking support from trusted adults.
  • Pupils should be familiar with accessing healthcare support from previous health units, understanding that doctors, nurses and other professionals can provide help and advice.

Source curriculum references

  • That there are a range of strategies for identifying, resisting and understanding pressure in relationships from peers or others, including sexual pressure.
  • How to avoid putting pressure on others.
  • That stopping smoking can improve people’s mental health and decrease anxiety.
  • The risks of illicit vapes containing drugs, illicit drugs and counterfeit medicines.
  • The facts about the multiple serious harms from smoking tobacco (particularly the link to lung cancer and cardiovascular disease), the benefits of quitting and how to access support to do so.
  • The facts about vaping, including the harms posed to young people, and the role that vapes can play in helping adult smokers to quit.
  • How and when to self-care for minor ailments, and the role of pharmacists as knowledgeable healthcare professionals.
  • How to recognise and manage peer influence in relation to risk-taking behaviour and personal safety, including peer influence online and on social media.

Oak source metadata. DASKEREL has not independently verified school-level coverage.

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