Lao Cai: Integrating tobacco harm prevention content into school curriculum

Reporter: Could you tell us how the Department of Education and Training of Lao Cai province has been implementing tobacco harm prevention work in recent times?

Mr. Le Minh Luong: The work of preventing and combating the harmful effects of tobacco in the Education sector of Lao Cai province has had clear changes, becoming a regular activity, effectively integrated into educational programs, propaganda, and extracurricular activities of schools. Up to now, 100% of educational institutions have developed and implemented plans to prevent and combat the harmful effects of tobacco right from the beginning of the school year under the direction of the Department of Education and Training.

At the same time, integrate tobacco prevention content into the curriculum of many subjects from elementary to high school such as: Nature - Society, Science, Biology, Ethics, Civic Education, Economics and Law.

Propaganda against the harmful effects of tobacco in households in Lao Cai

Along with that, we have implemented various forms of propaganda and education, such as: Organizing propaganda sessions through homeroom activities, flag-raising activities, dramatization, student clubs; Many schools have created close and attractive forms of communication such as competitions, exchanges, creating skits, slogans, billboards, and posters to propagate the harmful effects of tobacco; Linking life skills education with awareness and action against tobacco, creating a shift from awareness to practical action.

Many schools have built a "Smoke-Free School" model and strictly implemented the no-smoking policy on school grounds.

Many cadres, teachers and staff have given up smoking, contributing to building a healthy and civilized educational environment.

Some schools include criteria for preventing and combating the harmful effects of tobacco in the evaluation of the competition for classes, staff and teachers.

In addition, the coordination between families, schools and communities is also closely connected and coordinated, achieving a rate of 100% of students and parents signing a commitment to implement the contents of ensuring safety in schools, including the content of tobacco prevention and control.

Strengthen coordination with functional agencies and local authorities in monitoring and propaganda work in the community.

Many cases have been recorded in which students, after being educated at school, have proactively encouraged their family members to quit smoking, showing the positive spreading effect of educational activities.

PV: In your opinion, what are the advantages and disadvantages of tobacco harm prevention in educational institutions today?

Mr. Le Minh Luong: In terms of advantages, the work of preventing and combating the harmful effects of tobacco is of interest to all levels of government; the police, health sector and other units closely coordinate with schools. The majority of students and parents are well aware of the harmful effects of tobacco and strictly follow the regulations.

However, there are also certain difficulties, such as a group of students in their teens are still curious, easily enticed, and use cigarettes as a way to express themselves. Meanwhile, electronic cigarettes, new generation cigarettes have a fragrant smell, diverse designs, and are easy to buy and sell online or from friends, making detection and management very difficult. In addition, many parents are busy and do not closely monitor their children, especially outside of school hours.

PV: What recommendations does the Department of Education and Training of Lao Cai province have for families and authorities to improve the effectiveness of tobacco harm prevention?

Mr. Le Minh Luong: We recommend that parents set an example in preventing the harmful effects of tobacco for their children, and at the same time pay attention to managing their children's time, money, relationships, telephone devices and Internet access. When signs of tobacco use are detected, timely and appropriate educational measures should be taken.

Many agencies and departments coordinate to propagate the prevention of harmful effects of tobacco in schools in Lao Cai

For relevant authorities, we have some specific recommendations as follows:

For the health sector: It is necessary to strengthen communication and health consultation in schools; promote warnings about the harmful effects of passive smoking, especially for children.

For the Police and Market Management: Strengthen inspection and handling of smuggling of smuggled cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and heated tobacco products, especially at school gates and in cyberspace.

On the part of local authorities: It is necessary to actively direct the organization of activities in response to World No Tobacco Day (May 31), National No Tobacco Week, and at the same time share experiences in building a smoke-free school environment.

In addition, media agencies also need to actively promote propaganda about the harmful effects of tobacco on mass media to raise public awareness.

PV: Thank you!

Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/lao-cai-tich-hop-noi-dung-phong-chong-tac-hai-thuoc-la-vao-chuong-trinh-giang-day-hoc-duong-2025051222002718.htm