Accompanying students in raising awareness and building skills to prevent the harmful effects of addictive substances, The Dewey Schools organized a seminar titled Eliminating Electronic Cigarettes in School Environment. The seminar featured insights from two experienced and understanding guest speakers Mrs. Journalist Tran Mai Anh and Ms. Doan Thu Huyen – Representative of Campaign For Tobacco-Free Kids in Vietnam.
The Dewey Secondary and High school students have spent time exploring addictive substances, recognizing the risks associated with their usage, understanding methods of cessation, and familiarizing themselves with the school’s and legal regulations regarding the storage and use of addictive substances.
The seminar became lively as each group of Dewey students confidently presented on the topic of the harmful effects of addictive substances on users and the self-protection responsibilities regarding addiction held by individuals, the School, and the Law. The students demonstrated deep research skills by providing statistics and scientific evidence on the dangers of electronic cigarettes. In addition to comprehensively analyzing the factors that attract adolescents to this harmful trend, they proposed numerous initiatives to curb the use of electronic cigarettes among the youth. TDSers unanimously agreed that the most crucial aspect of eliminating electronic cigarettes, and tobacco in general, lies in the determination of the students themselves, supported by their families, schools, and government policies that do not allow new tobacco products to exist in the market.
Sharing insights on the current state of buying, selling, and using electronic cigarettes of the youth, Ms. Doan Thu Huyen stated, “Adolescents are a potential customer base targeted by tobacco companies. Because they are young and often attracted to new trends. Therefore, from design and flavor to advertising strategies, brands typically engage with the youth through Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), artists, creating curiosity and establishing trends. Particularly, electronic cigarettes are easily accessible on social media platforms, e-commerce websites, and retail stores at very attractive prices.
Following the presentations by the groups, an open discussion session ensued, providing an opportunity for TDSers to comfortably pose questions and share concerns with the guests about electronic cigarettes and addictive substances. Journalist Tran Mai Anh also enthusiastically shared, “Today, I am deeply impressed by the capabilities of Dewey students. Despite the limited presentation time, each group made an effort to convey a unique message, collectively working to combat addictive substances and harmful electronic cigarettes within the school environment. Having a child of the same age, I am more than willing to listen to your shares and questions to better understand the younger generation”.
At the end of the seminar, Ms. Doan Thu Huyen conveyed a message to all TDSers: “Our lives are filled with many joys, therefore, each of us should have a “filter” to selectively embrace joys that are beneficial and advantageous for ourselves as well as those around us”.
The Dewey Schools hope that through the seminar, TDSers have gained awareness and skills to “say no” to electronic cigarettes and addictive substances, in general, to protect their own health and the well-being of those around them.
