YHP Estonia

Evidence from the National Institute for Health Development shows that experimentation with e-cigarettes is starting at younger ages, while young people’s perception of the risks associated with trying e-cigarettes has fallen sharply.

Use of e-cigarettes and oral tobacco has also increased among girls, and daily e-cigarette use is particularly high in some regions of Estonia.¹

Experimentation with addictive substances is also linked to factors including social pressure, curiosity, anxiety, mental health challenges and low life satisfaction, while prevention is supported by protective factors including strong social skills, supportive relationships and good mental and physical health.²

YHP Estonia is responding by supporting young people with science-based information, practical skills and engaging prevention activities that help them make informed, healthy choices to reduce future health risks.

The Programme aims to contribute to NCD risk prevention by helping young people build the knowledge, confidence and motivation to make informed, healthy choices during adolescence.

With a particular focus on vaping, nicotine use and related risk behaviours, the Programme will support young people to understand the long-term impact of their choices, strengthen their wellbeing and resilience, and value a healthy, substance-free lifestyle.

It will also help schools create more supportive environments for prevention education by equipping teachers with age-appropriate resources and guidance.

YHP Estonia will be delivered in partnership with the Estonian Health Museum. The Programme is aligned with Estonia’s national curriculum for students in grades 4–9 (aged 10 – 16) and follows recommendations from the National Institute for Health Development.¹

The project will focus on four main areas:

Museum-based education

• The Estonian Health Museum will deliver active-learning education and prevention activities for students in grades 4–9. Sessions will help students explore risk behaviour, vaping, wellbeing and healthy choices in an age-appropriate and engaging way.

Digital learning materials

• The Programme will create video-based learning materials for use in schools, supported by teacher guidance, worksheets, lesson plans and presentations. These materials will help teachers discuss vaping, nicotine use, mental wellbeing and long-term health in the classroom.

School challenge and competition

• A vaping-themed challenge and competition will invite schools and classes to think critically about nicotine products and promote healthier choices. Young people will also be encouraged to create and share their own prevention messages with wider audiences.

Teacher support

• Training and information sessions will support teachers with up-to-date knowledge on nicotine products, prevention activities and resources for everyday teaching practice.

YHP Estonia aims to reach 100 classes across Estonia through museum-based education and prevention activities, with 50 classes reached in 2026 and a further 50 classes in 2027.

In 2026, the Programme aims to directly reach approximately 50,000 young people through a combination of museum lessons, educational videos and a social challenge. 

The Programme will also train 200 school teachers in 2026, helping to strengthen prevention education and support young people to make informed, healthy choices that reduce future NCD risk.

References:

1. National Institute for Health Development, Estonian School Students’ Drug Use Survey, ESPAD 2025.

2. National Institute for Health Development, Estonian Schoolchildren’s Health Behaviour Study, HBSC.