Switzerland: 1,880 classes to experience the “Non-smoking experience”

On November 5th, the “Non-Smoking Experience” competition began in Switzerland.1]. In 20 years, it has brought together more than a million students and allowed them to fully reflect on smoking and the risks associated with it. Although registrations are slightly down this year – most likely due to the health crisis – no fewer than 1,880 classes have joined the 2020-2021 competition.

What is the “Non-Smoking Experience”?

This is a competition organized by theSwiss Association for the Prevention of Smoking AT in collaboration with the cantonal prevention centers, and financed by the tobacco prevention fund. This competition is open to all Swiss classes, from 6th to 9th grade. Participating students undertake not to consume any tobacco or related product (cigarette, electronic cigarette, shisha, snus, etc.) for the duration of the project, i.e. this year from November 5, 2020 to May 6, 2021. Many cantonal prevention centers are organizing exhibitions and workshops during the same period.

It is therefore an opportunity for students to reflect on their own vision of smoking, their practice, as well as the emergence of new products and the marketing strategies of the tobacco industry. The competition therefore proves to be a time for exchange, awareness and information that occurs during this delicate period that is adolescence, during which the desire to integrate a group can, for example, take precedence over the preservation of one's own health.

The fight against tobacco rewarded

Classes that have taken up the challenge have the opportunity to win SBB travel vouchers[2] in a draw. Classes in which no pupils have smoked can win a voucher worth 500 Swiss francs (approx. €462). Classes in which only 10 % pupils smoke can be awarded a voucher worth 250 Swiss francs (approx. €230). The AT and the cantonal prevention centres also organise draws with other prizes to be won.

Non-smoking experience: 1,880 classes say "no" to tobacco and nicotine, www.presseportal.ch (November 18, 2020 - consulted on November 20, 2020).