Celebrating the Smoke Free Generation

Much of the teaching in PSHE aims to support pupils to make positive decisions that will lead to healthier behaviour choices and relationships as they move through the stages of their lives.

Changing behaviour is difficult, but it can be done. A multi-pronged approach that includes policy, legislation and, very importantly, education can result in the societal shift that we’re seeing with tobacco use in the UK. The legislation that will prevent anyone born after 2008 from ever being able to purchase tobacco has been passed, putting the UK at the forefront of working towards a smoke-free generation.

The UK now has one of the lowest rates of smoking in Europe, down from almost 25% years ago to around 11.5% today. (Sweden has the fewest smokers, just 7%). However, this doesn’t mean that we can completely relax. Smoking is still the leading preventable cause of death in the UK, and it would be naïve to assume that the latest legislation will eliminate the use of tobacco.

Interestingly, students persistently overestimate the number of their peers who smoke. Our benchmarked “How Are You?” pupil voice survey clearly demonstrates this.

In the 11-14 age group, pupils think that 10% of their peer group smoke, when in fact only 2% have ever tried a cigarette. When we look at vaping, 20% perceive that their peer group vapes, but the reality is 4%.

As Chameleon PDE launches its primary resource library, we have been working with younger children on some of these key questions.  We have found that children in primary school often have far more accurate perceptions about behaviour, including the behaviour of older people, than the secondary cohort. This is likely due to peer pressure not yet playing such a significant role in their views and decision-making.

Primary schools are in an excellent position to drive public health outcomes that not only benefit the children in their settings but also help positively impact societal change.

Children enjoy finding out about all types of behaviour, and the majority make very positive choices. Sharing this feedback offers further protection and is also a great way to share positive information within the school and with parents. This is true for all settings.

Chameleon PDE is committed to providing evidence-based, pupil-needs-led PSHE that builds confidence in teachers and ensures your programme is up-to-date and relevant in this fast-changing curriculum area. Engaging lessons, accredited teacher CPD and our pupil voice survey all combine to provide you with our unique ‘wrap-around’ support for PSHE.