School-based interventions
Since experimentation with tobacco begins during adolescence, it is obvious that preventative interventions should be aimed at children and adolescence in order to create a tobacco free future. As increased knowledge and awareness are key to tobacco prevention, we developed educational interventions tailored to inform teachers and school-aged children on tobacco operated through SMOKEFREEGREECE.
School-based Interventions for Tobacco Prevention among student population
The methodological framework for the educational interventions for school-aged students are based on the concept of “tailor fitted programmes” which meet the individual needs appropriate for different developmental stages. Knowing this, we designed the educational intervention for tobacco prevention for three separate age groups: 10-12 primary school students (10-12 years old), secondary school students (13-15 years old) and high school students (16-17 years old).
The one-hour intervention emphasizes the positive reasons for avoiding tobacco. The aim is to educate students using scientific information on tobacco. Some of the topics covered include, the toxic components of tobacco, nicotine addiction, health effects of smoking, other tobacco products, passive smoking and tobacco advertisement. The interventions are interactive to encourage the development of individual and social skills needed to overcome peer pressure and choose not to smoke. Following the intervention, students are provided with educational material they can take home.
The SMOKEFREEGREECE interventions take place in specially designed educational centers located in three Greek cities:
- In Athens, at the Educational Center “Attica Tradition” Ipitou 17b, Plaka
- In Thessaloniki at the NOESIS Science Center and Technology Museum and
- In Tripoli, at the old town hall of Tegea.
Since 2009, over 58.000 students have actively participated with many more to participate in the upcoming academic year. (June 2021)
The Ministry of Education, Research and Religious Affairs has approved the tobacco prevention interventions and the Institute of Educational Policy has approved the educational material used.
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CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT
The SMOKEFREEGREECE initiative, established in 2009 for tobacco prevention with an emphasis in the school community, does not in any capacity, hold any obligation or relation to any funders, institutions, persons, or initiatives with similar names and/or scope. Does not have any financial, ideological, social relationship or collaboration with any industry related to the manufacturing, production, distribution or promotion of tobacco and/or other novel tobacco products.
The SMOKEFREEGREECE initiative is fully funded by the Behrakis Foundation Boston MA and is supported by the NGO Hellenic Cancer Society and the Educational Institution, The American College of Greece.
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