Fully aware of this risk, many schools in the province have been promoting information dissemination and education measures to raise awareness, form healthy living habits, and build a smoke-free school environment.

Võ Nguyên Giáp Secondary School (Mường Phăng commune) has promoted information dissemination and education, combined with strict implementation of regulations on the prevention and control of tobacco harms. The school issued regulations banning smoking on campus, including this content in emulation evaluation criteria for collectives and individuals; simultaneously deploying many forms of visual information dissemination such as hanging banners, slogans, and signs at easily observable positions in corridors and schoolyards. Along with that, the School Board focuses on coordinating with the Representative Board of Student Parents in education and reminding students. Annually, the school organizes for officials, teachers, staff, and students to sign commitments to strictly implement the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms.

Nguyễn Thành Trung, Principal of Võ Nguyên Giáp Secondary School, said: “To build a smoke-free school, the school requires all officials, teachers, students, and parents to sign commitments to implement the regulations of the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms. We integrate information dissemination content into natural science subjects, civic education, career guidance activities, and flag-raising ceremonies. The Red Flag Team regularly checks the implementation of rules, including the rule against smoking, to score weekly emulation. Thanks to the synchronous implementation of solutions, for many years, teachers and students have raised their awareness; currently, 100% of teachers do not smoke, and there is no phenomenon of students smoking, including e-cigarettes, in the school.”

To improve educational effectiveness, professional groups in the school also actively integrate tobacco harm prevention content into lectures. Nguyễn Tiến Sĩ, Head of the Natural Science Group, Võ Nguyên Giáp Secondary School, said: “The current age of students is very curious, especially with e-cigarettes. Therefore, we integrate information dissemination content during the teaching process; launch student poster drawing contests, and encourage them to propagate the harmful effects of tobacco to relatives and friends. Thereby helping students understand correctly, know how to protect themselves, and stay away from tobacco.”

At Điện Biên Phủ High School (Điện Biên Phủ ward), information dissemination on tobacco harm prevention is deployed regularly right from the beginning of the school year. The school organizes the dissemination of the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms in extracurricular activities and flag-raising ceremonies; at the same time requires officials, teachers, and students to sign commitments not to use tobacco, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco on the school campus. Visual communication forms such as panels, posters, and slogans are also maintained to remind students to raise awareness of health protection. The school also strengthens coordination between homeroom teachers and parents in monitoring and reminding students; while maintaining the “Smoke-Free School” model to raise awareness and form healthy living habits for students.

Lý Thu Thảo, Deputy Secretary of the Youth Union of Điện Biên Phủ High School, said: “Through information dissemination, students have better understood the harmful effects of tobacco on their own health and the community. Many students proactively say no to tobacco and become active propagandists in class and in school.”

Nguyễn Minh Quang, a student at Điện Biên Phủ High School, shared: “I was taught by teachers about the harmful effects of tobacco integrated into class lessons and extracurricular activities. Thanks to that, I clearly understand the heavy consequences caused by tobacco to health and do not try smoking even once.”

Besides efforts from the school side, the close coordination of family and society has important significance in preventing and stopping students from accessing tobacco. Many schools have included tobacco harm prevention content in parent meetings; sent notices and recommendations via electronic communication books; and established regular exchange groups between teachers and parents to timely detect, remind, and orient students. Activities such as poster painting contests, art performances, and learning about laws on tobacco harms are also organized regularly.

Building a smoke-free school is a goal of the education sector, as well as a common responsibility of the entire society. With the synchronous involvement of schools, parents, and students in Điện Biên province, the tobacco harm prevention movement continues to be maintained and spread, contributing to building a healthy, civilized community, moving towards building a smoke-free society.