
Online Diversion Program
This free online course teaches teens the dangers of substance use while helping them build wellness, communication, and critical thinking skills. In addition to being useful for all teens, this online program is a DESE-compliant alternative to school suspension for students caught with, at risk of, or suspected of substance use.
Graduates will receive a printable Certificate of Completion.
Ages: 14–18
Date: Can start course on own schedule
Time: Must be completed within a 6-hour timeframe once started.
Location: Online
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About the Program
“Up in Smoke” builds on the highly regarded “Why Try” and “Stanford Toolkit for Cannabis Use” curricula, guiding students in understanding how daily life informs their opportunities to seek freedom and self-respect. The program also addresses the impacts of substance use on the brain and body and builds systems for stress management and fostering a sense of belonging. According to Kelley, the coursework is designed to “give students a chance to think critically about the reasons behind why they are using substances, and to build tools they can use to cope with difficult situations in their life.”
While traditional suspension isolates students and removes them from the learning process—both factors that increase risk of substance use—Up in Smoke is a positive behavioral intervention and trauma-sensitive approach with an emphasis on four target areas: mediation, restorative justice, conflict resolution and collaborative problem-solving.
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Alternative to Suspension: Instead of missing school, students engage in an online course that helps them understand the science of addiction, the impact of substances like nicotine and cannabis, and strategies for managing emotions and stress.
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Interactive Learning: The course includes self-reflection exercises and activities designed to help students make better decisions and build resilience.
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Research-Backed: Based on proven methods like the Stanford Toolkit and WhyTry, the program helps reduce substance use recidivism and aligns with DESE standards and Massachusetts state educational laws.
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Fully Accessible: Accessed asynchronously online, ensuring equitable access for all students. It also provides next-step resources to support students and families after completion.
“Up in Smoke” arrives at a critical moment in Massachusetts, where legislation passed in 2022 calls on public schools to use alternatives to suspension as a first-line response to rule violations. The measure specifically requires consequences that “re-engage the student in the learning process.” “Up in Smoke” deeply supports Law C.71’s emphasis on positive behavioral intervention and trauma-sensitive learning through a focus on four target areas: mediation, restorative justice, conflict resolution, and collaborative problem-solving.
Contact SAFE at (508) 488-8105 or info@safecoalitionma.org for more information.