Award winner! Smart Work 2026: A nicotine intervention model to support school staff
The Smart Work page presents everyday innovations and success stories developed by the employees of the City of Hämeenlinna.
The idea arose from the need to harmonize practices and provide support for school staff in addressing young people’s use of nicotine products. Preventive substance abuse work involves close regional cooperation, and the nicotine intervention model was also developed together with Janakkala and Hattula.
The model describes a consistent, youth-supportive approach for situations where a pupil uses nicotine products or legally prohibited tobacco substitutes, such as vapes or energy snus, during the school day. The measures include a discussion with the young person and their guardian, as well as, if necessary, referral to support services.
The model enables school staff to act consistently while promoting the young person’s wellbeing. The work continues as the wellbeing coordinator implements the model in schools.
The completed model has been shared via the intranet for the City of Hämeenlinna’s staff.
Developer
Pinja Rulja, Wellbeing Coordinator
together with the preventive substance abuse work contact persons from Hattula and Janakkala