In a root cause analysis, youth ask “why do youth not have an adult they feel comfortable talking with?” or “why are youth who feel unsafe at school more likely to smoke?” Youth work through a process known as the ”5 Whys” to get to their root cause.

We know that youth who feel unsafe at school, don’t have an adult they feel comfortable talking with, experience discrimination for their gender, race, or sexuality, or are economically unstable are more likely than their peers to smoke and use other nicotine products. UpRISE youth coalitions have identified many root causes of youth tobacco and nicotine use including:

• Not feeling like they belong at home, in school, or within their broader community
• Feeling like adults don’t listen to young people
• Experiencing trauma and not receiving help to cope