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Nicofiends activity

Risk Ladder

A sorting activity helping older young people compare the different risks linked to smoking, vaping, nicotine and drug products.

What it explores

Relative risk, product awareness and nicotine dependence.
Time
20 to 30 mins
Age
Ages 14 to 18
Setting
Classroom, Youth group, Community setting, At home
Group size
Small groups

Activity at a glance

Best for

Helping older young people discuss product risks, legal status and why different products may cause concern for different reasons.

You’ll need

Product cards and a table or clear floor space.

Key message

Different products carry different types and levels of risk. Lower risk does not mean safe, harmless or suitable for young people. Licensed nicotine replacement therapy gum is a stop smoking treatment when used as directed.

How to run it

  1. Split the young people into small groups.
  2. Give each group a set of product cards.
  3. Ask them to arrange the cards from higher risk to lower risk.
  4. Explain that lower risk does not mean safe or risk free.
  5. Let groups place cards together or set one aside if they feel they need more information.
  6. Ask each group to explain the choices they found hardest.
  7. Share the suggested broad order and quick facts from the facilitator notes.
  8. Let groups move any cards after hearing the information.

Discussion prompts

  • Which products caused the most disagreement?
  • What made you place a product near the top?
  • Does legal mean harmless?
  • Which products involve harmful smoke?
  • Which contain addictive nicotine?
  • Why might an illegal product create extra risks?
  • Why is licensed NRT gum at the lowest concern end within this activity?
  • Did your view change after hearing the other groups?

Reflection

Ask each group to name one thing they learnt and one product they understand differently after the discussion.

Download printable materials

Link To Smoking, Vaping or Nicotine

Cigarettes, hand rolling tobacco and shisha expose people to harmful smoke. Vapes, nicotine pouches and heated tobacco products can contain nicotine, which can cause dependence. Illegal or unregulated products can add uncertainty about their contents or strength. Licensed NRT is a regulated stop smoking treatment when used as directed. Different products carry different types and levels of risk, which is why looking at the full picture matters.

Adapting the activity

Make it Easier

Reduce the number of cards or sort them into broad groups first: smoked products, nicotine products, illegal products and drug products.

Make it Harder

Ask groups whether their ranking changes when they focus on immediate harm, long term harm, dependence or unknown contents.

Safety Note

Keep the discussion factual and avoid asking young people to disclose personal or family experiences. Do not suggest that every product carries the same type or level of risk. Make clear that regulated nicotine vaping is less harmful than smoking, but it is not risk free and is not for children or young people.

Ready to Run The Acitvity

Download the activity PDF or go back to the resource hub to find another activity.

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