Dumbarton Academy kids take part in smoke free scheme

Nov 14 2008 by Tina Kemp, Lennox Herald (main ed)

AN innovative anti-smoking scheme was launched last week at a Dumbarton school.

The health board project is one of two aimed at discouraging youngsters from starting to smoke.

The schemes, which have already proved successful in Glasgow schools, are now being rolled out elsewhere, with Dumbarton Academy one of the first to participate.

The imaginative Smoke-Free Class and Smoke-Free Me initiatives, organised by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s youth services, encourage a smoke-free culture in school communities.

The competition is open to S1 pupils who are asked to sign a declaration every month pledging to be smoke-free. Everyone taking part receives a monthly newsletter packed with puzzles, quizzes, facts and news stories.

Positive smoke-free choices by the pupils are rewarded with everything from shopping vouchers to holidays.

Smoke-Free Me is a tobacco education programme for primary 5, 6 and 7 pupils, and is designed to link into the national curriculum.

The move was welcomed by Dumbarton Academy teacher Pat Latimer, who said the Smoke-Free Class competition had become an important part of the S1 curriculum.

“The pupils learn a great deal about the dangers of smoking,” he said. “The topic is re-visited each month when the newsletter and prizes arrive, allowing the powerful smoke-free message to be reinforced regularly throughout the session.”

Councillor Ronnie McColl, depute provost of West Dunbartonshire Council and COSLA spokesman for health and wellbeing, added: “I believe these initiatives will play a key part in the future good health of young people in the West Dunbartonshire area.

“Smoking can lead to long-term chronic ill-health conditions, and programmes like these which can put off or prevent youngsters lighting their first cigarette are crucial.”