Saskatchewan Health's tobacco-free youth initiatives are key elements in the government's ongoing campaign to denormalize and reduce tobacco use in Saskatchewan.

Studies show that non-smoking youth are more likely to become non-smoking adults. It's a choice of a healthy lifestyle that will serve them now, and for the rest of their lives as we build a tobacco-free Saskatchewan.

In the fall, students in grades 6 to 12 are given the opportunity to view and vote on some of the best international, American, and Canadian anti-tobacco television ads. The ads are selected to promote discussion about students' attitudes towards tobacco use while demonstrating the types of harm tobacco causes.

Students vote for the ad that would most likely prevent them from trying tobacco products or, if they are smoking, inspire them to quit. The winning ad is then aired for a week on Saskatchewan television stations.

In the 2007-2008 school year, more than 13,000 students from 227 Saskatchewan schools participated in the second Saskatchewan View and Vote. The program will be available again in the 2009-2010 school year.

In the 2005-2006 school year, the grade 12 class of Loon Lake's Ernie Studer School graduated tobacco-free, setting a great example for all Saskatchewan youth. Saskatchewan's Minister of Healthy Living Services built on this success by encouraging all grade 12 classes in Saskatchewan high schools to make the same healthy choice.

In 2006-2007, 18 schools and 178 students participated in the Tobacco-Free Grad Challenge.

The Tobacco-free Grad Challenge is issued each fall. Participating high schools, teams or clubs will receive a letter of congratulations and a framed certificate for their participation. Participating students will also receive congratulations for their commitment to graduating tobacco free.

For more information on Saskatchewan's tobacco-free youth initiatives, call (306) 787-3084.