March 16, 2005
Review and Rate, a teen smoking prevention project designed to help Manitoba teens make informed decisions on tobacco use, will continue again in the fall of 2005 following a successful launch in 2004, Healthy Living Minister Theresa Oswald and Education, Citizenship and Youth Minister Peter Bjornson announced today.
"In an evaluation of Review and Rate, teachers felt strongly the program had an impact in helping educate students about the negative health effects of smoking," said Oswald. "We want our young people healthy and tobacco-free. Programs like Review and Rate give teachers the tools needed to teach students to make the right choices and to remain smoke-free."
"The response by educators to this initiative has been overwhelmingly positive," said Bjornson. "This is a very powerful educational tool that has generated tremendous discussion and classroom debate, and I look forward to next year’s program."
Program effectiveness of Review and Rate this school year was measured through an evaluation survey that was included in all the packages distributed to schools. The post-analysis report indicated teachers found the content of the program valuable.
Review and Rate is a program that provides young people with an opportunity to think critically about many different aspects of tobacco use. Students view anti-smoking television ads pre-selected by youth focus groups in Manitoba. Through a classroom exercise, students discuss the material and vote on what they believe to be the best ad which is then aired on television.
Participation in the program in 2004 was high. Eight hundred schools were forwarded material and approximately 400 schools participated, returning more than 31,000 ballots. The ad, What if . . ., was voted the most powerful anti-tobacco message by youth and is currently airing on television stations around Manitoba. In addition, an advertisement encouraging parents to talk to their kids about tobacco is also airing.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The number of teens between the ages of 15 and 19 smoking in Manitoba has decreased to 21 per cent in 2004 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 400 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.
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