What is INTENT? UoL’s Smoking Prevention Programme

Let’s face it: Times have changed. Teenagers today are navigating a world where vapes are everywhere, e-cigarette products are widely available, flavours are fun, and the old-school “Just Say No” message doesn’t quite cut it anymore.

That’s where INTENT comes in. It’s a fresh, practical prevention programme designed specifically for UK schools to tackle both smoking and vaping in a way that actually speaks to young people.

Developed from over 20 years of research at the University of Leeds and delivered by the social enterprise Evidence to Impact, INTENT isn’t about preaching or scare tactics. It’s about giving teens the tools they need to make confident, informed choices, while understanding the harmful effects of smoking and vaping.

So, What Exactly Is INTENT?

INTENT is a school-based prevention programme for pupils aged 11 to 15 (that’s Years 7 to 10). It’s rolled out over four years, with just two engaging sessions per year, each around 45 to 60 minutes long. That’s eight impactful sessions in total, with no overload.

What makes it stand out? The magic lies in something called “implementation intentions”. These are simple, personal plans like:

“If someone offers me a cigarette after school, then I’ll say no because I want to stay fit for football.”

This “if… then…” structure helps teens prepare for real-world moments, boosting their confidence to say no when it counts.

Yes, It Covers Vaping and E-Cigarettes, Too

With the rise of youth vaping, INTENT has adapted fast. The programme now includes vaping-specific lessons in Years 7 and 8, with the option to revisit these in later years. Many young people vape without fully understanding the health risks, including nicotine addiction and its impact on their wellbeing. The programme covers everything from the appeal of flavours and peer pressure to environmental concerns and the unknowns around long-term use.

In areas like Somerset, for example, local health teams have gone a step further by developing extra materials like posters, animations, and info sheets for parents to complement the classroom content. It’s a joined-up approach that keeps the conversation going beyond the school gates. These collaborative efforts help ensure that youth stay tobacco-free and receive the support they need.

Who Is INTENT For?

INTENT is designed with young people at its heart, especially students and teens who might be exposed to the risks of tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and vapes. But it doesn’t stop there. The programme is also a valuable resource for parents, teachers, and anyone working with children who want to encourage healthy choices and prevent smoking and vaping before they start.

Whether you’re a student facing peer pressure, a parent wanting to talk to your child about the dangers of nicotine, or a teacher looking for effective prevention resources, INTENT has you covered. The programme provides practical support and easy-to-understand information about the harms of smoking, vaping, and tobacco use. It’s all about giving young people and the adults who support them the tools they need to avoid the risks and make confident, informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.

How Does INTENT Work?

INTENT works by combining proven prevention strategies with engaging, interactive resources that speak directly to young people. Through a mix of group sessions, videos, and a user-friendly app, students learn about the real risks and effects of tobacco and nicotine products. The programme encourages critical thinking about how these products are marketed, and helps young people understand the impact of nicotine on their developing brains and overall health.

What sets INTENT apart is its flexible, affordable approach, which makes it easy for schools, teachers, and support groups to deliver sessions in a way that fits their needs. The content is designed to be accessible for all learning styles and ages, ensuring that every student can benefit. By working together with parents, teachers, and community groups, INTENT creates a supportive environment where young people can learn, ask questions, and build the confidence to avoid smoking and vaping for life.

What’s the Impact?

Let’s talk results. In one large-scale trial, pupils who took part in INTENT were shown to be more than 25% less likely to start smoking, and also less likely to smoke regularly. The programme is affordable, too: It costs less than £1 per student, depending on how it’s delivered.

INTENT has been rolled out in real UK schools, reaching thousands of students and gaining strong support from teachers, local councils, and public health teams.

The Bottom Line

INTENT is a modern youth smoking prevention solution. It doesn’t shame or scare, but it supports, informs, and empowers. By tackling both smoking and vaping, and speaking in a language that teens and young people actually relate to, it’s helping to build a healthier, more confident generation.

Curious about how INTENT could support your school or local community?

For support and resources for adults, FREESMO has you covered.