Why is the Smokefree Challenge important?

  • 22% of young people (aged 12–25) have used e-cigarettes (vapes) in the past 12 months.
  • 32% of 16-year-old students have smoked at least once, compared with 4% at age 12.
  • 21% of students in practical education have smoked at least once.
  • 69% of young people who used e-cigarettes every month in 2023 also smoked regular cigarettes every month.
  • 81% of the classes participating in the Smokefree Challenge also complete the Challenge.

Smokefree Challenge teaching materials

Before the Smokefree Challenge starts on 4 November, each participating teacher will receive the signature poster for their class. This signature poster is signed at the kick-off and marks the starting point 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.

Winner and prizes

The class with the best creative assignment wins the grand prize: a day out of their choice for the entire class, including bus transportation. In addition, another class will be rewarded with a healthy activity of their choice. Finally, a consolation prize will be raffled off. This will go to a class that did not submit a creative assignment but did complete the Smokefree Challenge to the end.

2023 winner

The winner of the 2023 Smokefree Challenge was class 2BHV from Regius College in Schagen. The class made two episodes for the Smokefree Podcast about the benefits of being Smokefree, including playing a game of 30 Seconds. They also submitted an extensive report on the production process. The winning class spent a day at Walibi Holland.

About the Smokefree Challenge

The Smokefree Challenge is an initiative of Helder op School. Helder op School is part of Gezonde School, the national initiative for improving health in schools. Gezonde School has entrusted the approach to the topics of smoking, alcohol and drugs to the Trimbos Institute because of its many years of expertise in this area.

Over the past 25 years, more than 7,000 classes and approximately 150,000 students have participated in the Smokefree Challenge. The 25th edition in 2023 included 568 classes and 80 schools.

Photo caption: Class 2BHV from Regius College in Schagen, winner of the 2023 Smokefree Challenge.