Join hands to build smoke-free schools

Join hands to build smoke-free schools

Many schools responded

According to statistics from the Ministry of Health , the rate of e-cigarette and heated tobacco use among students aged 13-17 increased from 2.6% in 2019 to 8.1% in 2023. In the 13-15 age group, the rate has more than doubled from 3.5% in 2022 to 8% in 2023.

With the unpredictable harm to teenagers - the future generation of the country, many schools across the country have implemented many measures to propagate and educate students about the harmful effects of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products, using many diverse forms such as integrating them into lectures, drawing, dramatizing, organizing smoke-free school competitions, etc.

Hang up no smoking signs at school.

At the same time, we also strongly promote the prohibition of the use of electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco, shisha, etc. so that children are aware of their actions and responsibilities.

In particular, in order to raise awareness and equip students with knowledge and skills about the harmful effects of traditional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products, and at the same time promote creativity in teaching among teachers, the Education and Times Newspaper launched a contest "Designing lessons on preventing and combating the harmful effects of cigarettes, electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products" for secondary and high school teachers nationwide in 2025.

According to the Organizing Committee, the contest aims to create lively, attractive electronic lectures with high pedagogical and practical value in educating students to say "no" to cigarettes.

Contest lectures need to reflect scientific and accurate information about the harmful effects of tobacco; equip students with skills to recognize and prevent behaviors that entice them to use tobacco; propose creative propaganda methods that are appropriate to students' psychology.

This is also a practical action in response to the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms, contributing to preventing the widespread trend of using electronic cigarettes in schools.

Criteria for building smoke-free schools

There are no-smoking regulations posted in crowded places. There are no-smoking signs in classrooms, offices, dining rooms, hallways, stairs, and other public areas in the room. There is a plan for tobacco harm prevention activities. There are activities to prevent tobacco harm.

No sale or advertisement of tobacco products on school grounds. No smoking related items such as ashtrays, lighters in classrooms, offices, etc. No support or sponsorship from tobacco companies or organizations related to tobacco companies in any form.

Include no smoking in the criteria for evaluating staff, teachers, students, etc. (encouraged). There should be no smoking or cigarette butts in classrooms, offices, or on the entire school campus.

Implementing smoke-free schools helps students and teachers ensure their right to breathe fresh air and avoid the harmful effects of cigarette smoke.

Prevent students from trying cigarettes, reduce the rate of youth smoking. Actively support smokers to reduce the number of cigarettes smoked and increase their determination to quit.

Building a civilized and polite lifestyle in schools. Limiting the risk of fire and explosion from cigarette butts, matches, lighters, etc., reducing environmental sanitation costs.

Source: https://cand.com.vn/y-te/chung-tay-xay-dung-truong-hoc-khong-khoi-thuoc--i783774/