Cao Bang: Integrating propaganda to prevent and combat the harmful effects of tobacco into schools

In recent years, the Department of Education and Training of Cao Bang province has always focused on the work of preventing and combating the harmful effects of tobacco in schools with many specific action contents included in the subjects to propagate to students, that is the sharing of Mr. Nguyen Xuan Hien, Head of Secondary Education Department, Department of Education and Training of Cao Bang with Vietnam Women's Newspaper.

Reporter: Could you tell us about the work of preventing and combating the harmful effects of tobacco in schools by the Cao Bang provincialeducation sector in recent times, and the results achieved?

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Hien: Every year, the Department of Education and Training has issued documents directing and guiding its affiliated units to strictly implement the work of preventing and combating the harmful effects of tobacco in schools. The directive documents focus on the following contents:

Strengthening propaganda and education for students, staff and teachers about the harmful effects of tobacco, especially e-cigarettes and new forms of tobacco; Integrating the content of tobacco harm prevention into formal and extracurricular educational activities;

Implement measures to build smoke-free schools according to the provisions of the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms; Promote coordination between schools, families and society in propaganda and student management; In particular, every year the Department of Education and Training coordinates with the Cao Bang Provincial Center for Disease Control to organize training courses for managers and key teachers to carry out communication activities on the harmful effects of tobacco and prevention and control of tobacco harm, disseminate and distribute leaflets/communication materials at agencies, units or affiliated units/public places under management.

The results achieved are as follows:

To date, 100 educational institutions have included tobacco harm prevention in their operational plans. They have organized propaganda and education for administrators, teachers and students in various forms suitable to the practical conditions of each unit.

100% of educational institutions incorporate and integrate the content of preventing and combating the harmful effects of tobacco into subjects such as Civic Education ( Economic and Legal Education), Natural Sciences (Biology),... and experiential and career guidance activities.

Propaganda against the harmful effects of tobacco in schools

Educational institutions maintain close contact with parents, regularly inform and discuss students' behavior and attitudes related to tobacco use. At the same time, coordinate with functional agencies such as police and health in organizing propaganda and consultation sessions on tobacco harm prevention.

Organizing extracurricular activities: Many units have organized activities such as drawing contests, knowledge competitions, "Say no to tobacco" forums, thematic seminars, etc., attracting the active participation of students.

Building a safe and healthy school environment: 100% of educational institutions include the content of "Smoke-free school" in their regulations and have signs prohibiting smoking on campus.

Coordinated with the Cao Bang Provincial Center for Disease Control to distribute 25,000 leaflets on the harmful effects of tobacco to 26 educational institutions in the area. Installed 75 propaganda panels at 21 educational institutions, focusing on warning about the harmful effects and calling for action against tobacco in schools.

Reporter: What are the advantages and disadvantages of implementing propaganda work to prevent the harmful effects of tobacco in schools, sir?

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Hien: Speaking of advantages, the Education and Training sector always receives attention and close direction from superiors and coordination from relevant Departments and Branches.

The staff and teachers are fully aware of their roles and responsibilities in tobacco prevention and control. Most students have good awareness and are willing to participate in propaganda activities and respond to movements to build a healthy learning environment.

However, there are also difficulties, such as: The development of new forms of tobacco such as electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products is difficult to control. Some parents and students are still subjective, lack understanding of the harmful effects of tobacco and do not coordinate closely with schools. Funding for propaganda activities at some educational institutions is still limited.

PV: In your opinion, what recommendations and proposals are needed in the work of preventing and combating the harmful effects of tobacco in schools to achieve better results in the coming time?

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Hien: I think that the Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Health need to increase the organization of training courses for teachers in charge of propaganda work to improve their skills in educating students about tobacco prevention; diversify the sources of easily accessible documents for students in the coming time, then the work of preventing and combating the harmful effects of tobacco in schools will be more effective.

Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/cao-bang-long-ghep-tuyen-truyen-phong-chong-tac-hai-thuoc-la-vao-hoc-duong-20250610164750502.htm