Who is the Smokefree Challenge for?

The Smokefree Challenge is intended for students in classes 1 and 2 of secondary education. All students can participate, from practical education through to pre-university education (vwo).

The aim of the Smokefree Challenge is to maintain the norm of not smoking, not vaping and not using snus for as long as possible. The Smokefree Challenge focuses on the benefits of not doing so. This means that classes in which no one smokes or vapes can also take part!

To maintain the norm of not smoking, not vaping and not using snus, it is important that the majority of students do not smoke, vape or use snus. If there are several students in your class who smoke, vape or use snus, please consult the prevention worker at your municipal health service (GGD) or addiction care institution.

Support

The Smokefree Challenge is supported by prevention workers from regional addiction care institutions or municipal health services (GGD). They also guide schools during the Challenge.

Winner and prizes

The classes taking part in the Smokefree Challenge conclude the competition with a creative assignment. The class with the best creative assignment wins the main prize: a day out of its choice for the entire class, including bus transportation. A zoo or an amusement park: anything is possible! In addition, another class will be rewarded with a healthy activity of its choice. This could include a visit to a climbing forest, stand-up paddleboarding on a lake or playing miniature golf. Finally, a consolation prize will be raffled off. This goes to a class that did not submit a creative assignment but did complete the Smokefree Challenge through to the end. In short, taking part is always worthwhile!

Smokefree Challenge teaching materials

Each participating class receives various materials during the Challenge.

Before the start of the Smokefree Challenge on or around 1 November, each participating teacher will receive the signature poster for their class. This signature poster is signed at the kick-off and marks the start of the Challenge. After the Challenge starts, materials will be sent out at various times. This year, all participating classes will receive the Smokefree Challenge card game after the first Smokefree check! The materials will only be sent to classes that have actually started participating.

Why take part in the Smokefree Challenge?

By taking part, your school makes an extra contribution to achieving the smoke-free generation. Smokefree Challenge is a Healthy School activity for the Smoking, alcohol and drug prevention theme in secondary education.

Timeline

This year, the Smokefree Challenge will start on or around 1 November 2023. The signature poster will be signed, and there will be an option to use the accompanying lesson suggestions. You can find these lesson suggestions in the digital monitor. You can also indicate in it how many students do or do not smoke, vape or use snus. The starting moment is therefore also the first Smokefree check.

The second check takes place in January and the third check in March. Here too, you have the option of using lesson suggestions. Again, you must count the students who do or do not smoke, vape or use snus.

In March, you will receive the creative assignment. This will include clear instructions and several examples. The third Smokefree check also takes place in March.

Registration

You can register here already for the Smokefree Challenge 2023–2024. Helder op School will contact you about the next steps. For more information, you can also email [email protected].

In 2022, 334 classes took part in the Smokefree Challenge. This was a record.

About Helder op School

Helder op School is part of Healthy School, the national initiative to improve health in schools. Healthy School has placed responsibility for addressing the theme of smoking, alcohol and drugs with the Trimbos Institute because of its many years of expertise in this area.