Second-hand smoke is harmful to everyone’s health, even pets, but it’s especially harmful to babies, children and pregnant women.
To raise awareness of these dangers amongst our future generations, NHS Lanarkshire’s Tobacco Control team has supplied 285 primary schools across North and South Lanarkshire with a fun and interactive school pack, called Jenny and the Bear, which has been developed for primary one children.
The pack highlights the risk of children’s exposure to second-hand smoke through an engaging story of a little girl and her teddy, as well as what parents/carers can do to ensure their children aren’t exposed to its harmful effects. It also offers the opportunity to explore the themes of a favourite toy, rewarding positive behaviours and consideration for others.
Alongside the book, each primary one teacher was supplied the same teddy bear from the story for children from the class to choose a name for their new classroom companion, as well as the presenter, audio and video versions of the book.
Teachers can show the video or read the story to children in the classroom, and afterwards each child is issued with a shortened version to take home to keep and read with their family.
Tracy-Ann Kidd, health improvement senior – Tobacco Control team, NHS Lanarkshire, commented: “The Jenny and the Bear resources are an interactive and fun way to support teachers to highlight the risks of second-hand smoke.
“Children are especially vulnerable to second-hand smoke as their lungs and immune systems are still developing making them breathe faster; therefore, they inhale more toxic chemicals from tobacco smoke than adults.
“By working with North and South Lanarkshire Councils, we’re committed to continuing and developing initiatives that work with families to reduce the barriers they face to creating a smoke-free home and car.”
Anna McKinney, Education Support Officer, North Lanarkshire Council said: “We are delighted to receive the packs for all of our primary schools. As part of our Health and Wellbeing curriculum, we are committed to raising awareness of the health risks associated with exposure to second-hand smoke.
“The lesson plans provide teachers with a variety of activities to introduce this at an early stage. Having their own copy of the story allows the children to engage their parents/carers in their learning, increasing awareness of tobacco related harm.”
Tony Mayer, Health & Wellbeing Development Officer, South Lanarkshire Council commented: “The physical and mental health & wellbeing of all our children and young people is of paramount importance to us all.
“Working in collaboration with organisations such as NHS Lanarkshire ensures that all our learners receive the best possible learning experience from an early age.”
Quit Your Way is a free NHS stop smoking service. To find out more about second-hand smoke or more information on stop smoking services, call the Quit Your Way helpline on 0800 84 84 84 or visit QuitYourWay.scot.
Quit Your Way can be contacted Monday – Friday from 9am until 5pm.
You can also visit your local Community Pharmacy for FREE stop smoking support
