What is Word of Mouth?

Word of Mouth is a tobacco prevention program that was developed by the American Lung Association of Ohio and the Cleveland Clinic Health System. It targets students in grades four through eight, a time when children are most likely to experiment with tobacco. Research findings show that students who participate in the Word of Mouth program report stronger non-smoking attitudes than children who do not participate in the program.

There are two different methods used to teach the Word of Mouth program. The first is the traditional classroom method, in which trained educators visit the classroom during regular school hours. Creative classroom techniques involve the students directly in the lessons. This allows the students to not only hear a lecture, but to have an interactive experience.

Word of Mouth also can be taught through self-paced, Web-based lessons, which are adapted from the traditional lesson plans. In addition to providing tobacco education, students receive valuable computer skills. Fourth- and fifth-grade lessons are currently available, and additional lessons and online resources are being developed.

While school programs are valuable, your children need YOU to talk them about the dangers of tobacco use. Visit the Word of Mouth website at www.ccf.org/health/wordofmouth for additional resources.