Health and Social Services Minister Mildred Dover and Education Minister Chester Gillan presented a recognition certificate today to Kensington Intermediate and Senior High in support of their recent adoption of smoke-free policies recommended by the Western School Board.
During the coming week, similar certificates will be presented to all high schools in the Western Board.
Minister Dover advised that schools in the Western Board have shown tremendous leadership in providing healthy environments for all students and staff. She noted Island youth need to be protected from the many harmful effects of environmental tobacco smoke including asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and lung cancer.
"Smoke-free environments also help to reduce tobacco use among youth," said Minister Dover. "Eliminating smoking on school grounds promotes a positive healthy environment and helps to reduce peer pressure by decreasing students exposure to smoking."
As part of the Provincial Tobacco Reduction Strategy, the Department of Health and Social Services joined with the Department of Education, the Western School Board and the PEI Lung Association to offer a Tobacco Free Schools training program. Under the program, 20 volunteers from across the Island have been trained to deliver smoking cessation programs to students. Coordinated by the PEI Lung Association, the program assists high school students develop the skills needed to eliminate tobacco use.
Education Minister Chester Gillan indicated that with the introduction of smoke-free policies, it is important to support students who choose to stop smoking. "It is essential that programs such as this one are available to help students look at their reasons for smoking. The Tobacco Free Schools Program will help many students find practical strategies to reduce and eliminate tobacco consumption," he said. "Students must also be supported as they progress through various stages toward eliminating tobacco use."
As part of the Tobacco Free School program, the PEI Lung Association is also working with high schools to encourage and support students to implement tobacco prevention activities.
Vicki Bryanton, Executive Director of the Lung Association, advised that students will work towards creating a school culture which sees non-smoking as the norm.
With guidance from school administrators, students can choose from a number of school projects including designing and developing videos, school posters, plays, murals, or banners.
For further information on the Tobacco Free Schools program, please contact the PEI Lung Association at 892-5957.