Smoking and Nicotine Addiction PSHE lesson plan
A secondary PSHE lesson for Years 7 to 10 that helps UK teachers introduce smoking and nicotine addiction through a structured, ready-to-teach lesson. Pupils explore why nicotine dependence develops and practise strategies for making safer choices around smoking and vaping. The lesson gives teachers a clear way to talk about tobacco and vaping without judgement, keeping the focus on knowledge, decision-making and support pathways rather than scare tactics.
Substances & Risky Behaviours
Snapshot
Smoking and Nicotine Addiction
This lesson gives teachers a structured way to introduce nicotine dependence and support pupils to think through safer choices around smoking and vaping. Feedback: 4.1/5 average rating from 236 teacher and student responses
Prep time:
5 to 10 minutes
Lesson length:
45 to 50 minutes
Key Focus
Understanding nicotine dependence and practising strategies to reduce or resist smoking and vaping
Lesson Format
Teacher-led discussion and structured activities
What pupils will learn
By the end of the lesson, students will be supported to:
Recognise
Recognise the signs that nicotine use is becoming a dependence rather than a one off choice
Recognise common triggers and situations where pressure to smoke or vape may arise
Recognise that cravings and withdrawal feelings are a normal part of nicotine dependence
Understand
Understand how nicotine affects the body and why dependence can develop quickly
Understand the health and legal considerations linked to smoking and vaping
Understand that support is available for anyone who wants help reducing or stopping nicotine use
Practise
Practise strategies for managing cravings or urges to smoke or vape
Practise responding to peer pressure in social situations
Practise identifying who to speak to if they or a friend want support with smoking or vaping
Who this lesson is for?
This lesson is designed for secondary pupils in Years 7 to 10 who are beginning to encounter smoking, vaping or nicotine products in their social lives, whether directly or through peers. It works well across a range of prior knowledge, from pupils with little exposure to the topic to those who already know peers who smoke or vape.
It is suitable for:
secondary PSHE lessons
relationships and health education
pastoral care or form time discussions
drug and alcohol education units
wellbeing days or health focus weeks
Suitability should be based on more than age alone. Teachers should consider the lesson focus, pupil maturity, cohort needs, classroom culture, existing discussion norms and available support pathways.
Best used when
Use this lesson when students need clear, practical language for recognising unkind behaviour and knowing what to do next.
Introducing smoking and vaping education Use when pupils need a first structured introduction to nicotine dependence and why it can be hard to stop.
Running a drug and alcohol education unit Use when this lesson fits within a wider sequence on substances and risky behaviours.
Supporting a wellbeing or health focus week Use when the school is running a wellbeing week or health promotion event and needs a ready-to-teach lesson on smoking or vaping.
Building peer pressure and decision-making skills Use when pupils need practical strategies for resisting pressure to smoke or vape.
Providing a calm, proactive response to rising vaping awareness Use when staff want an informative, non-judgemental lesson as vaping becomes more visible among this age group.
Preparing for transition into older year groups Use when pupils are moving into contexts where exposure to smoking or vaping may increase.
The lesson can be used proactively with the whole class. It does not need to follow a specific incident.
Why this lesson matters
Nicotine dependence often begins during the secondary years, when curiosity, social pressure and easy access to vapes can make trying smoking or vaping feel low risk. Pupils benefit from clear, factual information before they face these decisions, rather than after a habit has already formed. This lesson supports a proactive approach to substance education. Rather than focusing on rules or warnings alone, it helps pupils understand how nicotine affects the body, why dependence can develop, and what practical steps support someone who wants to cut down or stop. By building this knowledge early, schools can help pupils make more informed choices and feel confident seeking support if they or someone they know is finding it hard to manage nicotine use.
How this lesson supports wellbeing
This lesson supports student wellbeing by building practical social and emotional skills students can use in everyday school life. It helps students develop:
Capability How the lesson supports it
Health literacy Pupils learn how nicotine affects the body and why dependence can develop.
Decision-making Pupils weigh up health, legal and social factors when thinking about smoking and vaping.
Peer pressure resistance Pupils practise responding to social pressure to smoke or vape.
Self-regulation Pupils consider strategies for managing cravings or urges.
Help-seeking Pupils learn where to go for support if they or a friend want help reducing nicotine use.
Critical thinking Pupils consider social norms and misinformation around vaping and smoking.
For teachers and school leaders, the lesson contributes to broader wellbeing, respectful relationships, child safety and pastoral care goals in Australian primary schools.
Teaching notes & Delivery Considerations
This lesson includes content about unkind behaviour, exclusion and asking adults for help. It should be taught with calm, clear discussion norms.
Before teaching
Remind pupils not to name classmates or share personal stories about people who smoke or vape
Frame discussion around general examples and scenarios rather than personal disclosures
Make clear the lesson is about building knowledge and decision-making skills, not judging pupils who may already smoke or vape
Identify local or school-based support pathways pupils can be directed to if they want help
During delivery
Use general, everyday scenarios rather than specific brands or products
Keep language factual and avoid scare tactics or moralistic framing
Give pupils time to discuss strategies for managing peer pressure and cravings
Be prepared to follow your school's safeguarding procedures and speak with the designated safeguarding lead if a pupil discloses harm or says they feel unsafe
Supporting safe discussion
Reinforce that asking for help with smoking or vaping is a responsible choice, not a failure
Avoid asking pupils to speak on behalf of friends, family or any group
Signpost pupils to school health services or local support pathways where relevant
Adaptation options
Use small group discussion for pupils who may be less confident speaking in front of the whole class
Extend the decision-making activities for older pupils within the Year 7 to 10 range
Spend more time on support pathways if pupils need help identifying where to go for support
