Students in the Digital Art and Design program at the Academy for Technology and Academics in Myrtle Beach have helped create a marketing campaign aimed at educating others students about the dangers of smoking.
The Smoke Free Horry Eduction and Resource Center opened in Myrtle Beach Mall as a resource center where students can help counsel other students with a tobacco-free lifestyle.
Statistics note that 240,000 South Carolina students are exposed to second hand smoke each year. 103,000 of these kids will likely die prematurely as a result of this exposure. Each year, 6,300 South Carolina children under the age of 18 become smokers themselves.
Students Taking a Smoke-Free Stand
Horry County Schools is one of the only districts in the country with a 100% tobacco-free policy. The Smoke Free Horry Eduction and Resource Center features educational and promotional material designed by students. This project has been both a valuable learning process for the students as they have learned to create an entire campaign from idea stage to completion, as well as an effective peer-to-peer method of spreading information.
In addition to the informative brochures and unique displays featuring facts and statistics about smoking and its harmful effects, the Digital Art and Design students have created a game, designed tee shirts, and even offer backpacks and yo-yos as part of their promotional campaign spreading the smoke-free message.
Spreading the No-Tobacco Message
Students working on the Smoke Free Horry campaign have travelled to various schools to help spread their message. Teachers, school administrators, and others who have partnered with this group are impressed with the entire process and look forward to seeing the positive outcome of such an innovative campaign.
Horry County Schools hopes that through youth risk surveys administered year to year, students’ answers regarding tobacco issues will indicate the peer-to-peer informational campaign is working.
Reference: http://www.thesunnews.com/2011/09/21/2402086/smoke-free-center-to-open-with.html
Leave a Reply