E-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and nicotine pouches are becoming increasingly common in everyday life. But what do children and adolescents know about them? What are their opinions and experiences, and what might lead them to try these products?
RELIEF was launched to answer these questions: an initiative aimed at gaining a better understanding of the issue and developing practical tools to promote prevention and more informed choices.
Over these first few months, young people, families and educational staff have been involved in designing a digital platform dedicated to prevention and accurate information. Through questionnaires and discussion sessions, we have gathered opinions and suggestions to understand which features might be genuinely useful and appealing to those who will use the platform.
RELIEF is also working on a research study involving several European countries. Activities to review and test the questionnaires have helped ensure that the questions are clear, understandable and appropriate for the different groups involved. This research will help us gain a better understanding of the opinions, habits and factors that may influence the use of emerging tobacco and nicotine products. A clearer picture of the current situation is essential to developing effective prevention initiatives based on evidence and real needs.
Why is participation in these activities important?
Preventing vaping and the use of emerging tobacco and nicotine products requires a shared commitment. Schools, families, healthcare professionals, associations and institutions can all contribute, each bringing their own experience and expertise, to better understand the phenomenon and raise awareness among younger generations.
Their contribution is essential to:
- better understand experiences, concerns and needs;
- develop accessible educational tools that are relevant to everyday life;
- promote dialogue between schools, families and communities;
- support the health and well-being of younger generations.
The next steps: schools and families take centre stage
In the coming months, RELIEF will continue to actively involve schools, families and communities through a range of initiatives to share ideas, test the platform's content and contribute to its improvement.
Upcoming activities include:
- Research: questionnaires for students, families, teachers and school staff to collect information and experiences.
- Co-creation workshops and interviews: opportunities to exchange views and explore experiences, challenges and needs related to prevention.
- Platform testing: activities in schools to try out the tools developed and gather useful feedback for improvement.
- Training: initiatives for teachers, parents and healthcare professionals, providing tools and materials to address the topic with young people.
RELIEF aims to create opportunities for listening, dialogue and collaboration to address an issue that is crucial to the health of younger generations and to generate a ripple effect. By training those who support young people as they grow, the knowledge and tools developed through the project can reach an increasing number of young people, families and communities.
The goal is to ensure that prevention does not end with individual project activities, but becomes an integral part of educational practices and local initiatives, even beyond the project's lifetime.
Would your school like to take part in RELIEF’s activities?
Registration is still open. To receive further information or express your interest, please contact Alessia Valenti at alessia.valenti@cesie.org
About RELIEF
RELIEF – InteRvening EarLier In life for hEalthier liFestyles aims to generate evidence-based solutions to reduce early exposure to harmful products and promote healthier lifestyles among young people. The project is funded by the EU4Health Programme, which supports actions on disease prevention, health promotion, and strengthening health systems across Europe.
Partners
- CSI CENTER FOR SOCIAL INNOVATION LTD (Cyprus, Coordinator)
- CYPRUS NATIONAL ADDICTIONS AUTHORITY (Cyprus)
- CYPRUS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (Cyprus)
- EUROPEAN NETWORK FOR SMOKING PREVENTION (Belgium)
- CESIE ENTE DEL TERZO SETTORE (Italy)
- NOVELCORE OE (Greece)
- UNIVERSIDAD DE CADIZ (Spain)
- HASKOLINN I REYKJAVIK EHF (Iceland)
For further information
Follow us on Facebook, Bluesky and Linkedin.
Contact alessia.valenti@cesie.org
