Community & Culture

Contest seeks youth views on tobacco, cannabis, vaping & alcohol

November 13, 2024

The Interior Health (IH) Legal Substances Team and the YOUTHWISE Advisory Group are excited to launch IH’s annual youth poster contest, Beyond the Buzz: Youth Voices on Tobacco, Cannabis, Vaping & Alcohol. 

Formerly known as the Take a Breath: Teen Voices on Tobacco, Vaping and Cannabis, this year the contest includes an opportunity for youth to express their views on alcohol use. The contest has also been expanded to include youth in grades 6 and 7 as well as grades 8 to 12.

The poster contest aims to capture youths’ views on how tobacco, vaping, cannabis and alcohol affect them and their friends, family, schools and communities. It’s also a great avenue for supportive adults to engage youth in meaningful conversations around substance use.

About the poster contest

Youth within the IH region who are under 19 years old and enrolled in grades 6 to 12 are invited to share their views on the impacts of tobacco, cannabis, vaping, or alcohol through an original artwork piece inspired by one of four different themes. 

A panel of teen judges from IH’s YOUTHWISE Advisory Group will select the winning posters. Two winners will be chosen from each theme grouping and will receive a $150 gift card of their choice. Plus, winners’ artwork will be shared on social media and displayed at schools and health centres across the region. 

The deadline to enter has been extended to December 19, 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. Winners will be notified and announced the week of January 20, 2025, to coincide with National Non-Smoking Week. 

Find out more about the contest rules and how to participate

IH values youth voices & perspectives

The IH Legal Substances team established the YOUTHWISE Advisory Group in June 2022. The group provides a forum for teens’ perspectives on health, well-being, and substance use-related challenges. 

The group brings valuable insights to IH’s youth-focused initiatives and projects. These insights help the IH Legal Substances team and other partners tailor messaging in a meaningful way that resonates with youth audiences. 

Group members shared their personal experiences with IH.

“As an advisory member, I've gained a broader understanding of the extensive impacts of substances. Having personally struggled with substance use, I've learned a lot about the use, abuse and consequences of these substances. I've gained valuable knowledge that I'm eager to share.” 

-- YOUTHWISE Advisory Group member

“In YOUTHWISE, it is encouraging to hear the perspectives of teammates who have misused substances, and their road to recovering from their challenges.” 

-- YOUTHWISE Advisory Group member

Along with all the important and ongoing work they do, the YOUTHWISE members are essential to the Beyond the Buzz poster contest’s success. 

“Poster contests like this are incredibly beneficial for youth. They can spark conversations with friends and family who may be struggling, offering a different perspective on substance use. When you're caught in the grip of substance dependency, seeing things from another angle can be incredibly helpful.” 

-- YOUTHWISE Advisory Group member

“One of my favourite parts of the YOUTHWISE group is being a judge for the annual poster contest. All participants submit amazing artwork, and it’s hard to pick a winner.” 

-- YOUTHWISE Advisory Group member

While recruitment for the 2024/25 YOUTHWISE team is now closed due to overwhelming interest, we’re always open to expressions of interest in case opportunities arise. We invite teens 13–19 years old who might be curious to learn more about the YOUTHWISE Advisory Group to connect with the IH Legal Substances team at LegalSubstances@interiorhealth.ca.

Learn more about YOUTHWISE 

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