Five teens have been selected as winners for the 2023 Take a Breath: Teen Voices on Tobacco, Cannabis and Vaping poster contest. Youth in grades eight to 12 living in the Interior Health region were invited to participate in the contest. Teen judges on the IH Teen Advisory Council evaluated and scored each poster based on a specific set of criteria.
The intent of the poster contest was to spark meaningful conversations about teen tobacco, cannabis and vapour product use, and their impacts on teens’ health, environment and their communities. Teens who identify as Indigenous were also invited to reflect and share on the differences between ceremonial and commercial tobacco use.
“It’s exciting to see this level of interest in participating in this contest. We do appreciate the attention that encourages us to work even harder to spread the word about the impacts of smoking and vaping on our health,” says Dr. Fatemeh Sabet, medical health officer at Interior Health. “By collaborating with youth, we continue to learn how to engage younger generations in a more meaningful way in order to minimize the risks of hazards, like vaping, in our communities.”
Meet the winners
Lauren, age 16, Kamloops – Winner: Tobacco and vaping companies’ strategies to promote use
Lauren was one of this year’s winning artists. “It may not seem serious, but you are handing over your money and health to corporations that don't care about your safety,” said Lauren. “Many have a detached view of the health dangers associated with these habits, such as strokes, heart disease and cancer. They are real possibilities, and you are opening yourself up to those risks.” Lauren also emphasizes that “just knowing the risks that come with smoking and vaping is one step closer to quitting and taking control of your addiction.”
Hayden, age 16, Vernon – Winner: Impact of smoking tobacco, cannabis and/or vaping on my life
Hayden from Vernon shared that their poster’s underlying messaging is simple: “It's your life and your decisions. But if you're in the stage of thinking about trying vaping [or smoking] to seem cool to others, or really anything under this topic, think about it for a moment: in the end you're really only just hurting yourself.”
Mackyle, age 14, Vernon – Winner: The importance of ceremonial tobacco for Indigenous traditions, and how it differs from everyday (commercial) tobacco use
Another winning contestant and self-identifying Indigenous teen, Mackyle, said that their goal with their poster submission was to help inform other youth [of] the repercussions that substance use can have. “I know it can be very enticing but think twice before use, and if you already are a user reach out for help,” they said.
Izabella, age 13, Salmon Arm – Winner: Important facts about smoking tobacco, cannabis and/or vaping products
Izabella from Salmon Arm shared this message. “[Smoking and/or vaping] does terrible things to you. When you’re a teen your brain isn’t even fully developed yet. Know there are always people out there to help out.”
Nishi, age 14, Vernon – Winner: Environmental impact of smoking/tobacco and vaping
Nishi, a Vernon resident, was recognized for winning the Environmental Impact of Smoking/Tobacco and Vaping category. They emphasized the repercussions of tobacco smoke on an individuals’ health, particularly in combination with the devastating impacts of wildfire smoke in the Interior of B.C.
Winners will each receive a $150 gift card of their choice. The winning posters are being professionally printed, displayed in health and community centres, and shared with schools throughout the region.
You can view all entries in this collage, and 2022's winners here.
Resources for schools
The Interior Health Legal Substances team offers resources to school district staff and others who are working to address the use of tobacco, cannabis and vapour products among youth:
- Vaping Toolkit for Schools
- Tobacco & Vaping Resources for Schools
- Health Information Hub for Teens
- Quitting Tobacco or Vaping
- Smoking Cessation App (Quash)
- Cut Down or Quit Vaping (QuitNow)
- Vaping Health Education Toolkits for Parents & Teachers (BC Lung Foundation)
Download and print the 5 winning posters (11" x 17")
Download and print the 5 winning posters (8.5" x 11")
Download and print the honourable mentions posters (8.5" x 11")
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