At the seminar "Promoting the pioneering role of youth and students for a smoke-freeeducational environment" organized by the Vietnam Women's Academy, we witnessed strong voices and practical actions from young people - "smokeless warriors" ready to create change for a green, clean and healthy future.
This is not only a thematic discussion, but also a place where the spirit of responsibility, the desire for healthy living and the will to act from the hearts of young people converge. The program is implemented by the Faculty of Gender and Development, and is a key activity in the communication campaign "For a smoke-free Vietnam Women's Academy", responding to World No Tobacco Day on May 31.
Every action of students today is the seed for a healthy school future, where knowledge is cultivated in a green - clean - smoke-free atmosphere. The Academy not only focuses on knowledge training but also aims to train students to have a positive lifestyle and be responsible to the community. A smoke-free environment is the essential foundation for nurturing the comprehensive development of the younger generation.
Assoc.Prof.Dr. Tran Quang Tien - Director of Vietnam Women's Academy
In the presentation, MSc. Duong Tu Anh - Tobacco Harm Prevention Fund ( Ministry of Health ) - provided a comprehensive picture of tobacco use among Vietnamese youth. She especially emphasized the alarming increase of electronic cigarettes - a product disguised as "modern, less toxic" but in fact highly addictive and leaving many serious consequences for the mental and physical health of adolescents.
As a direct witness to the reality of smoking among young people, a K9 student majoring in Gender and Development frankly shared: "Smoking is not a personality - it is a trade-off for your own health and that of those around you". The harmful effects of cigarette smoke on the environment, the community, and the future - all are shown through real stories and data that make listeners unable to remain indifferent. That is, the rate of exposure to cigarette smoke at home is up to 45.6% and at work is 23%, more than 84,500 people die each year from active smoking and nearly 18,800 people from passive smoking.
K11 students of Gender and Development once again affirmed the pioneering role of youth - not only as recipients but also as doers. They strongly proposed increasing the special consumption tax on tobacco products as an effective measure to control use. In particular, the option of increasing the absolute tax from 5,000 VND/pack in 2026 to 15,000 VND/pack in 2030 was strongly supported by them, in line with WHO guidelines: tobacco tax should account for at least 75% of the retail price.
The student group proposed specific initiatives such as: building a "No Smoking" club, organizing talk shows, creating viral video clips, and connecting a network of students to act for a healthy living environment.
The highlight of the Seminar was the official launch of the Smokeless Warriors Team - a group of students who actively promote and mobilize the community to say no to cigarettes. With the slogan "A clean breath - A bright future!", the Smokeless Warriors team truly reflected the current situation of smoking through the "Photo Voice" activity - taking actual photos around the Vietnam Women's Academy. The photos of cheap cigarette packs lying openly on grocery shelves, close to the cash register are proof that cigarettes are still easily accessible to all classes and ages.
Painting and photo exhibition with the theme "For a smoke-free Vietnam Women's Academy"
At the seminar, students did not hesitate to raise questions about the dangers of e-cigarettes, the social pressure that causes many young people to smoke to fit in, or how to communicate more effectively in the context of social networks influencing behavior.
Within the framework of the Dialogue, there was also a Painting and Photo Exhibition with the theme "For a smoke-free Vietnam Women's Academy" with more than 40 works of art and humanity. The Dialogue also opened a commitment: From today, each student will be an "inspirational person", a silent warrior in the long-term fight against tobacco - a fight that requires determination and perseverance.
The discussion has proven that young people and students are not only beneficiaries of policies but can also become change makers. They have knowledge, courage, and most importantly, ideals. A smoke-free educational environment is not just a dream - it is an achievable goal if every young person acts together.
Smoking is no longer a personal choice - it is a community issue. And in that community, young people are the vanguard, ready to say no to cigarette smoke to say yes to a healthy, civilized and humane future.
Over 1 million union members and workers have quit or reduced smoking.
Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/chien-binh-khong-khoi-vi-tuong-lai-xanh-cho-moi-truong-giao-duc-20250602162749644.htm
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