Skip to content

ABOUT

THE PROGRAM


The Right Decisions Right Now program addresses:

  • Educators of students in grades 5-9, providing them with tools to help persuade youth to be tobacco and nicotine free.
  • Parents, guardians, grandparents, and community leaders helping them communicate a tobacco and nicotine prevention message to the youth in their lives.

Since 1991, Right Decisions Right Now has offered materials to middle schools to help educators address the important issue of making good decisions, even if peer pressure and example might suggest a different decision. The Right Decisions Right now curriculum was originally developed by Lifetime Learning Systems, Inc. and funded by R.J. Reynolds.

By Kids for Kids (BKFK) later updated and adapted the program to digital-lesson format for use in modern classrooms. In 2024, the program was updated and reviewed to ensure the content reflects evolving trends in youth tobacco and nicotine use. Youth smoking rates among middle and high school students have declined over the past decade, but e-cigarette use is on the rise.1

While more than 3 million middle and high school students reported using any tobacco product, the most commonly used devices are e-cigarettes, commonly referred to as vapes, representing 9.4% of usage with cigarettes representing only 1.6%.2

There are additional organizations and resources that can provide information on tobacco and nicotine use and its impact on youth. The listing on this website does not imply that the organization endorses the information contained herein, nor does it constitute an endorsement of the organization or resources by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company.

What is Right Decisions Right Now: Be Nicotine Free?

Right Decisions Right Now is an evidence-based educational program designed to prevent young people in grades 5-9 from using tobacco or nicotine products in any form, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes/vapes, smokeless tobacco and nicotine pouches.

Who pays for the program?

The Right Decisions Right Now youth prevention program is fully funded by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and is free to anyone who desires to use it to help youth avoid tobacco and nicotine use.

Reynolds is not responsible for the content of references cited in these materials.
The views expressed are those of the respective authors and may not reflect the views of Reynolds.

TESTIMONIALS

  • I like the ready-made lessons for the smartboard. Easy to incorporate technology into the lessons

    Renee, in Maryland

  • The materials that are included with the program make the program ready to use.

    Jennifer, in North Carolina

  • Yes, for the 7th graders, the material was spot on with their understanding and comprehension levels. (asked if materials were grade-level appropriate)

    Jim, in Missouri

  • I appreciate most the brain research to share with students about why they are prone to poor decisions as teens.

    Carey, in Colorado

  • Yes, this is the time when they (students) have the most peer pressure. (asked if materials were grade-level appropriate)

    Amanda, in Mississippi

  • Easy to teach and learn.

    Carlos, in Wisconsin

  • The materials are at a reading level that the lower kids can understand but the more advanced readers do not get bored. I think it is the perfect balance.

    Donald, in Maryland