January 17, 2005
The winning ad of the innovative Review and Rate teen smoking prevention project was announced today by Healthy Living Minister Theresa Oswald and Education, Citizenship and Youth Minister Peter Bjornson.
The winning ad, called What If…, was voted as the most effective ad to show the consequences of tobacco use by more than 31,000 students from across the province.
“Educating our young people about smoking and its effects is one way to help youth stay healthy and tobacco-free,” said Oswald. “Innovative prevention and education programs like Review and Rate are a vital part of an effective tobacco control strategy and give youth the tools they need to make the choice to remain smoke-free.”
Students from more than 400 schools viewed 12 anti-smoking television ads selected by Manitoba youth and participated in classroom discussions about tobacco use led by teachers. The effectiveness of the program was measured through a program-evaluation survey delivered to teachers who had used the resource.
Over 400 teachers participated in the survey and indicated they would like to take part in a similar program again next year.
“Many teachers pointed out Review and Rate stimulated a good deal of classroom discussion on the issue of tobacco use and was an effective way of holding students’ attention,” said Bjornson. “I’m encouraged so many students have been exposed to anti-tobacco ads and have taken part in these discussions.”
“This program can affect a young person’s decision to use tobacco or quit smoking,” said Oswald. “I want to thank all the schools, teachers and students who took the time to participate in Review and Rate, which gives youth a direct say in our government’s tobacco control activities.”
The winning advertisement will be aired on television during March.
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ANTI-SMOKING INITIATIVES
The number of teens smoking in Manitoba between the ages of
15 and 19 has decreased to
20 per cent in 2003 from 29 per cent in 1999 as outlined in the Canadian
Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey conducted by Health Canada.
MANITOBA ANTI-SMOKING INITIATIVES INCLUDE:
Connecting directly with youth through a Youth Advisory Committee (YAC)—YAC is comprised of 14 Manitobans aged 13 to 18 who provide advice to government on youth-focused programs and mass media campaigns to ensure they are relevant, engaging and effective.
Expanding teen smoking cessation programs throughout Manitoba—In partnership with the Manitoba Lung Association, the province is currently running and expanding the Not On Tobacco (NOT) program. This program is a provincewide teen smoking cessation program that provides teens with information, motivation and support to assist them with quitting.
The Rate and Review Program—This was implemented in 800 schools across Manitoba and engaged youth in picking the most effective anti-smoking television advertisement.
Provincial smoking ban in public places—In response to recommendations of the All-Party Task Force on Environmental Tobacco Smoke and the overwhelming support of Manitobans, a provincewide smoking ban was implemented on Oct. 1, 2004.
The Enforcement of Sales to Minors Program—This program employs tobacco enforcement officers to conduct compliance checks as a means of ensuring retailers do not illegally sell tobacco to minors.
Establishing a Smokers Help Line—By calling a toll-free line (1-877-513-5333), Manitobans can speak with trained smoking cessation counsellors who provide ongoing assistance with the challenge of quitting smoking.
Supporting community smoking prevention initiatives—Manitoba Health partners with and provides support for the activities of the Manitoba Tobacco Reduction Alliance (MANTRA), a group of not-for-profit organizations, health-care organizations, professional associations and regional health authorities dedicated to providing leadership in reducing tobacco use in Manitoba.
The Healthy Kids, Healthy Futures Task Force—This all-party task force is asking Manitobans for their ideas on how to increase youth activity and improve the health of today’s youth.
RETURN