When it comes to talking about smoking and vaping, young people’s voices matter.
Three secondary schools in South Gippsland Shire recently participated in the South Coast Smoke and Vape-Free School Challenge.
The challenge is part of collective efforts across Gippsland to tackle high rates of smoking and vaping.
During the challenge, Year 7 and 8 students were encouraged to take on the role of community health researchers to create innovative and engaging campaigns that promote a smoke and vape-free future for everyone.
Health Promotion Officers from local health services visited classrooms to support students to develop their campaigns. Schools were also encouraged to utilise Quit Victoria’s new Seeing Through the Haze education resources.
Five students from Korumburra Secondary College developed the two winning submissions for the Year 8 entry category.
One group of students created an engaging video illustrating the impacts of vaping and how to support a friend who needs help to quit. The other group developed a creative poster emphasising the benefits of not smoking and vaping, with the catchy phrase ‘Quit Today, Thrive Tomorrow’. The five students received a $50 gift card for their efforts.
Health Promotion Officer Georgina Maxwell from the South Coast Prevention Team said, “It’s inspiring to see young people leading the way for a smoke and vape-free future. Developing the campaigns not only provided students with the opportunity to learn about smoking and vaping, but also allowed them to use their creativity and own voice to promote for the benefits of being smoke and vape-free and cessation support options available.”
A participating Year 8 student said, “I really enjoyed the opportunity to work with my peers to raise awareness for a problem that is close to my heart. It was rewarding to be able to learn about the challenges and better my understanding of this complicated topic.”
Another student said, “I felt empowered to create change for a positive smoke and vape-free future. This was a chance for students like myself to engage in solving an issue that many people struggle with. When we work together, we can help people in need and not judge but be respectful about it.”
A Health and Physical Education Teacher said, “The students were really engaged in being able to make their own campaign. It was great for communication and teamwork among students.”
The challenge was run by the South Coast Prevention Team - the combined Health Promotion workforce of Bass Coast Health, Gippsland Southern Health Service and South Gippsland Hospital.
Secondary schools can express their interest to participate in the 2026 Smoke and Vape-Free School Challenge by contacting prevention@basscoasthealth.org.au