Smokefree Class Competition

Launched on 14/01/2008

Smokefree Class Competition (SFC) is distinct to traditional approaches, because instead of using fear arousal strategies to hinder pupils from smoking, the desired non-smoking behaviour is reinforced: Non smokers are rewarded if they stay smokefree. This approach focuses on the learning theory for positive reinforcement and enhances the probability for young people to produce a desired behaviour. In this way non smoking becomes a popular and worthwhile behaviour, and social norms within the peer groups are influenced in a way that non smoking becomes more common in classes than smoking." The key outcomes include:

1. Primary prevention measures related to smoking should begin before the majority of young people start to experiment with smoking.
   
   
2. A first goal should be the delay or prevention of smoking initiation.
   
   
3. A second goal should be the prevention of the transmission from experimental to regular smoking.

Smokefree Class Competition is especially conceptualised for schools and carried out as a competition for pupils aged 11 to 14 years.

The concept and materials are attractive and can be easily integrated in many different subjects. Classes decide to be a non-smoking class for a period of six months.

The programme is carried out as a class activity. All partners point out on their materials that the participation in the programme is voluntary for the pupils and classes.

Four studies published in international peer reviewed journals have measured the effectiveness of the approach under real classroom conditions 14-18. A total number of 12,812 adolescents have been recruited for these studies. An overall analysis19 showed that from baseline to follow-up test 12 to 24 months later smoking increased by 21.78 per cent points in the control group, compared to an increase of 16.02 per cent points in the intervention group. At follow-up 27.57% of the pupils from the intervention group, and 35.91% of the pupils from the control group are actual smokers (odds ratio (OR) = 1.61 (95% confidence interval: 1.43-1.81); p < 0.001).

For more info on the smokefree class competition visit:

http://www.ift-nord.de/ift/sfc/

Newsletter 1

Newsletter 2

There are currently two schools who are undertaking a pilot project in Rotherham:

St Bernards

Classess 7S, 7E, 7N, 7H, 7I, 8N, 8E, 8I, 8S, 8H, 9H, 9E, 9I, 9N and 9S

(283 pupils)

Oakwood Technology

L-GBS (yr 7-9), R- SRW, A-MMH, R-TNC (yr 7-9), 4L2C, RW-LJJ, 5XN and

B-LRM (yr 7-9) (78 pupils)

Congratulations to classes that have won the first cash prize draw:

9I and 9S at St Bernards and L-GBS and B-LRM at Oakwood Technology College.

The next prize draw will be announced on week commencing 12th of May 2008

Congratulations to classes that have won the second cash prize draw:

9N at St Bernards and A-MMH at Oakwood Technology College.

The next prize draw will be announced on week commencing 12th of July 2008

Congratulations to classes that have won the third cash prize draw:

7N at St Bernards and

RW-LJJ and 5XN at Oakwood Technology College.

If your class wants to participate in next years smokefree class competition

e-mail:khamis.al-alawy@rotherhampct.nhs.uk