By Rob Bisceglie

When a student is suspended from school, they’re not just missing class; they’re being removed from the one place meant to help them learn and belong—school. And too often, it’s not a single incident but the start of a pattern, one that can lead to disconnection, disengagement, and chronic absenteeism. 

As a former member of my community’s board of education for eight years, I witnessed that suspension doesn’t always resolve a student discipline issue; it merely pushes it out of view. This is especially true for youth tobacco and nicotine use, a common yet misunderstood behavioral health concern in middle and high schools today. Exclusionary discipline may remove students from the setting best positioned to support behavior change, missing a key opportunity for early intervention. 

Clarifying the Numbers: Youth Nicotine Use Is Shifting, Not Disappearing 

Just this spring, the USC Keck School of Medicine reported that teen use of nicotine pouches is rising significantly. New data from Monitoring the Future shows that in 2024, 5.4% of 10th and 12th-graders used nicotine pouches, up from 3% in 2023. While e-cigarette use declined slightly, dual use increased: 3.6% of teens reported using both products in the past year, compared to 2.1% the year before.  

Some headlines highlight decline, while others indicate growth. But the data is clear: youth nicotine use is shifting, not disappearing. Public health experts warn that pouches pose serious risks, from addiction to adverse effects on adolescent brain development. As this trend continues, schools and communities must respond with clarity, compassion, and evidence-based programs.  

Link Between Nicotine, Suspension, and Absenteeism 

Nicotine use isn’t the only reason students get suspended, of course, but it is one of the most manageable with targeted intervention. The issue isn’t just the behavior; it’s how we respond. 

According to Mindex’s School Tool data, chronic absenteeism and exclusionary discipline not only coexist but also reinforce each other. Students taken out of school are more likely to fall behind, disengage, and act out again, creating a cycle that hampers their long-term success. The report also highlights how behavioral disruptions have increased since the pandemic, with schools nationwide struggling to address student needs amid rising stress, anxiety, and mental health issues.2  

In this context, suspension does more than just remove a student; it deepens their disconnection.  

Second Chance: What It Offers 

At Action for Healthy Kids, we believe students don’t need to be pushed out. They need a second chance. 

Second Chance is an alternative-to-suspension education program developed by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and managed by Action for Healthy Kids. Designed for youth who have committed an infraction of school tobacco policy or tobacco laws in the community, the program replaces exclusion with a constructive online learning experience. Completed in less than three hours and self-paced, the training helps students understand the risks of nicotine, explore their motivations, reflect on their behavior, and develop skills to make healthier choices.  

Second Chance isn’t a passive response or a free pass. It is a structured, science-informed intervention developed in partnership with national experts and youth prevention specialists. It holds students accountable while providing education and support to help them make healthier choices. The program also gives schools a consistent and fair alternative to suspension, aligning with public health best practices.  

What We’re Seeing: Results and Reach 

Initial outcomes point to meaningful impacts. In Colorado, where the program has been most widely implemented, Second Chance reached over 1,500 students, across 58 districts, last year with high completion rates and positive feedback from both students and administrators. 

 Pre- and post-tests show that: 

• 89% of youth reported gaining new knowledge about whether electronic vaping products contain nicotine
• 88% of enrolled students completed the program as an alternative to suspension
• 82% reported that they would “definitely not” or “probably not” use a vaping product within the next 5 years
• Refusal of a vape product from a friend rose from 61% (pre-test) to 78% (post-test)

These behavioral intention shifts are critical. They show that education, not exclusion, is what changes minds and behavior. 

School leaders have reported fewer repeat offenses and more positive student engagement after participation. One administrator put it simply: “Instead of punishment, students can be educated and more knowledgeable to make healthier choices.” 

This is more than a curriculum. It’s a mindset shift—for students and schools alike. 

Why It Matters 

Every student makes mistakes, but not every mistake should lead to removal from school, especially when we have better tools to respond. 

Second Chance interrupts the cycle. It helps students reflect, re-engage, and reconnect with the support they need. In doing so, it strengthens the school community, reduces absenteeism, and promotes long-term wellness. 

We are proud to offer this program in partnership with schools, health departments, and community organizations that share our commitment to prevention and student success. 

To learn more about bringing Second Chance to your school or district, visit: actionforhealthykids.org/second-chance 

Three-Part Series on Absenteeism Solutions 

This is the second in a three-part blog series about reducing absenteeism through whole-child health. 

In Part 1, I explore how unmet health needs such as nutrition, physical activity, mental risk behavior prevention and health education are often at the root of chronic absenteeism. At Action for Healthy Kids, we believe that addressing attendance begins with understanding what keeps students away, which involves centering our five pillars of whole-child health in the conversation.  

Continue following this series as I unpack solutions for keeping students in school, in the community, and in good health. 

Part 3, I’ll talk about how trusted relationships with caring adults help prevent disconnection before it starts. 

About Action for Healthy Kids 

Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK) is a national nonprofit that partners with school districts, families, and communities to create healthier learning environments where every child can thrive. Our evidence-based programs support nutrition, physical activity, mental health, and risk behavior prevention. To help schools put these practices into action, AFHK offers professional development, technical assistance, and communities of practice that build local capacity and drive lasting change. Learn more at www.actionforhealthykids.org.