Warrior Teens Inspire Action Around Youth Vaping

Students are compelled by film to take action and educate their peers on vaping prevention.

[Liberty, NY] More than 100 students from Eldred, Fallsburg, Sullivan West, Tri-Valley, Sullivan BOCES and the Homestead Collaborative College High School participated in this year’s Sullivan 180 Warrior Teens film series at the Hurleyville Performing Arts Center.  Warrior Teens uses film and meaningful conversation to connect prevention education with Sullivan County youth.

This year’s series focused on the dangers of youth vaping and nicotine addiction. Students viewed “Screenagers: Under the Influence” and “Nic Sick: The Dangers of Youth Vaping,” then participated in facilitated conversations with professionals representing more than a dozen local organizations and government services. Participants enjoyed healthy lunches, outdoor walks along the Hurleyville O&W Rail Trail, and opportunities to learn about local resources and services.

Tri-Valley 10th-grade student Cece Koskey-Barnes shared, “Watching the Nic Sick movie showed me that vaping is more than just a habit. It can quickly become an addiction that affects a person’s health, relationships and future.”

Through a partnership with Tobacco Free Action Communities (TFAC), students created awareness campaigns, including “Airing Big Tobacco’s Dirty Laundry,” an exhibit highlighting the impact of tobacco and vape industry marketing on youth.

Feedback showed that after the films, students felt comfortable discussing vaping and its health effects and were more confident serving as advocates within their schools and communities.

"Warrior Teens gives students the opportunity to engage directly with local leaders, ask questions and explore real issues affecting their health and well-being," said Amanda Langseder, Senior Director of Prevention Programming at Sullivan 180.

Community partners supporting this year’s program included Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County, Hope Not Handcuffs, MVP Health Care, SALT (Sullivan Allies Leading Together), Sullivan County Community Services, Sullivan County Health & Human Services, Sullivan County Youth Bureau, Sullivan County Public Health and TFAC, among others.

The public is invited to view the Warrior Teens art display, “Airing Big Tobacco’s Dirty Laundry,” in the lobby of the Sullivan County Government Center through June 16. To learn more about the Sullivan 180 Warrior Teens program or to bring one of the films and discussions to a youth group, email trainings@sullivan180.org or call 845-295-2681