Secondary students could win a $50 gift card by creating their own campaigns that promote a smoke and vape-free future for everyone.
The South Coast Prevention Team is running the South Coast Smoke and Vape-Free School Challenge. The challenge encourages Year 7 and 8 students to take on the role of community health researchers to create innovative and engaging campaigns.
The South Coast Prevention Team is the combined health promotion workforce of Bass Coast Health, Gippsland Southern Health Service and South Gippsland Hospital.
Acting Prevention Manager Beth Allan says, “Student campaigns could advocate for more smoke and vape-free areas in public spaces, or promote the benefits of not vaping for individuals, the community or the environment.
“They could also advocate for a new school or community smoke and vape-free policy, or showcase a range of services that can support people to quit smoking and vaping.”
Secondary teachers in Bass Coast and South Gippsland shires (South Coast) are invited to get students involved in the challenge by making the creation of student-led campaigns part of the school curriculum.
The challenge could be implemented across curriculum areas including health and physical education, science, literacy, civics and citizenship and media arts.
“Students could present their campaigns through video, posters, social media posts, advocacy letters or any means they feel will best reach their target audience,” Ms Allan said.
Teachers are encouraged to utilise Quit Victoria’s Seeing Through the Haze education resources, which can help to equip students with the critical thinking skills to create change for a smoke and vape-free future.
Health Promotion Officers from the South Coast Prevention Team are available to visit classrooms to support students to develop their campaigns. The challenge is open to all secondary schools in the South Coast.
It opens on Tuesday 22 April 2025 (start of Term 2) and closes on Friday 19 September 2025 (end of Term 3). The winning campaigns will be selected by a judging panel of representatives from Bass Coast Health, Gippsland Southern Health Service and South Gippsland Hospital.
For questions about the challenge or to get involved please contact the South Coast Prevention Team on 0438 057 040, email prevention@basscoasthealth.org.au or visit www.southcoastprevention.org.au/education-settings/schools