Preventing and combating the harmful effects of tobacco in schools is a long-term process, requiring perseverance and coordinated efforts from schools, families and society. Models being implemented in many schools in Thai Nguyen province show that a “smoke-free” environment in schools can become a reality if all parties join hands.
Thai Nguyen Schools Promote Smoke-Free Education Through Creative Campaigns
Du Town Secondary School in Phu Luong Commune, Thai Nguyen Province, has launched a proactive campaign against tobacco and e-cigarette use among students. At the start of the school year, all students signed a pledge to avoid addictive substances. The school collaborates with police and medical staff to host educational talks on tobacco harm prevention laws, integrating these messages into flag ceremonies, team activities, and engaging formats like videos, skits, and storytelling. Competitions such as presentations and plays reinforce the message: “Tobacco is harmful—stay away from it while in school.”
Meanwhile, Binh Trung Secondary and High School in Nghia Ta Commune has implemented a “Smoke-Free Campus” model. Anti-smoking signs are displayed throughout the school, and both students and staff commit to a tobacco-free environment. Educational content is woven into weekly meetings and extracurriculars, while creative contests like writing and drawing help students express their views and raise awareness. As a result, over 90% of students understand the risks and pledged not to smoke, with no violations recorded in the 2024–2025 school year.
Despite progress, challenges remain, including peer influence and disguised e-cigarettes. Thai Nguyen’s education sector stresses the vital role of families in reinforcing anti-smoking values at home./.
Binh Nguyen