The BC Spit Tobacco Education Project (BCSTEP), in association with Tobacco Free Sports, is based on the successful U.S. National Spit Tobacco Education Program (NSTEP), established in 1994 by Oral Health America. The purpose of the project is to educate young people about the serious health effects caused by spit tobacco use. With funding from the BC Ministry of Health, the Alcohol-Drug Education Service, in partnership with NSTEP, developed educational resources to raise awareness about the harms associated with using various forms of spit tobacco—dip, chew, snuff and smokeless tobacco.

The resource features two tool kits: one for schools and young athletes, and the other for the dental health community.

Program Resources

Youth – BC STEP is an exceptional resource for schools, sports organizations and community groups working with youth. The DVD, printed materials, and the suggested activities found within this resource enable youth to compare their beliefs surrounding spit tobacco use with the factual information provided. This process provides an opportunity for youth to make informed decisions regarding to their health and spit tobacco use.
For teachers working within the British Columbia school system, BC STEP is an excellent addition to the Health and Career Education Curriculum as it supports the designated learning outcomes in the areas of Healthy Leaving and Substance Misuse Prevention throughout the grade levels.

Dental Health Community – This resource is designed to increase the ability of oral health professionals and others in the dental health community to address spit tobacco use. It includes a CD-Rom, video, poster, brochure and other training resources for oral health professionals.

For information and resources on the BC Spit Tobacco Education Program please contact the Tobacco Reduction Coordinator in your Health Authority region and/or the Tobacco Free Sports Coordinator at tfs@ades.bc.ca