For Immediate Release
Friday, May 3, 2024 | 9:00 a.m. | Windsor-Essex County
In an effort to combat the rising trend of vaping among youth, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) launched the Break the Vape Challenge (PSA) video contest. This challenge encouraged young people to share their creative ideas for raising awareness about the dangers of vaping. Between February 5 and March 8, the WECHU received almost 100 Break the Vape PSA video submissions. Submissions were received from 27 schools across Windsor-Essex County with over 230 students participating in the challenge.
The WECHU worked with a panel of youth judges through three rounds of youth voting, to narrow down the submissions to the top five videos in the Grade 6 to 8 and Grade 9 to 12 age groups. Public voting occurred from April 15 to the 26 to determine the first, second, and third place videos for both age groups. A prize has also been awarded for the elementary and secondary school with the highest percentage of participating students.
The winning videos focused on the health effects of vapour products and nicotine as well as the marketing tactics of the tobacco industry. With over 2,700 votes logged, the following videos and schools won the challenge:
Grade 6 to 8
Échappe le vape
Christina K., Alexandra K., Josephine L., and Sophie L.: École élémentaire catholique Saint-Edmond
Escape the Vape
Joshua F., Sam L., and Chris H.: St. John the Baptist Catholic Elementary School
Stop the Peer Pressure
Aeden A.B., Aidan C., Jaden L., and Leah B.: St. John the Baptist Catholic Elementary School
Highest percentage of participating students’ prize: École élémentaire catholique Saint-Edmond
Grade 9 to 12
Break the Vape for Mental
and Physical Health
Julia P. and Kailey Y.: St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic Secondary School
Anti-Vape
PSA
Reihan P., Joshua P.,
and Cory L.: Catholic Central Highschool
I was told it was trendy...
Timothy L.: Assumption College Catholic High School
Highest percentage of participating students’ prize: E'cole secondaire catholique EJ Lajeunesse
The Break the Vape Challenge engaged schools and young people in the conversation about vaping and empowered them to make informed decisions about their health. The Health Unit commends all participants for their efforts and encourages them to continue spreading the message of vaping prevention.
Congratulations to all the winners and students that submitted videos to the Break the Vape Challenge! Moving forward, the WECHU plans to use the winning videos to further promote awareness around the youth vaping issue and promote resources for those looking to quit.
For more information and to view the winning videos, visit the Break the Vape Challenge website.