News Release Archive
HEALTH--TREMENDOUS RESPONSE TO NON-SMOKING CAMPAIGN ----------------------------------------------------------------- Students and teachers across the province have been invited to participate in a campaign to help combat smoking among youth. The campaign, geared to students in grades six and seven, aims to raise awareness among youth and their parents/guardians about the benefits of not smoking. For grade six students, the challenge is to produce messages to adults. The grade 7 students are asked to produce radio messages to other youth focusing on why they shouldn't smoke. To date, more than 400 requests have been received from teachers across the province for more information on the campaign, and the related support materials. The majority of the requests, approximately 300, are from grade six teachers. "We are very pleased with the enthusiastic response," said Merv Ungurain, the director of the tobacco control unit at the Department of Health. "Grade six and seven students are at a critical age. The campaign will help to provide them with the skills to remain smoke-free for life." In Nova Scotia, the average age students first try tobacco is 12 years for girls and 11 years for boys. A 1994 survey revealed that 20 per cent of Nova Scotia adolescents smoke regularly. Brochures describing the campaign are available from the tobacco control unit of the Department of Health. Please call 902-424-5187 or fax 902-424-0663. A complete set of support materials makes up the accompanying resource package. The deadline for submitting the radio ads and messages to adults is April 18, 1997. The ads and messages may be used in upcoming provincial non-smoking campaigns. The campaign is being launched as part of national Non-Smoking Week. -30- Contact: Lori MacLean 902-424-5025 trp Jan. 22, 1997 - 12:15 p.m.