Tobacco addiction prevention: Using technology to reach teens

Prevention education is challenging because the teenage brain is programmed for risk-taking and denial. A 2004 national “Health Educator of the Year” presents her teen-friendly, technology-driven strategy.By using hand-held devices similar to cell phones and MP3 players, to simulate tobacco addiction, she gets attention and improves retention by providing a memorable, high-impact learning experience. The progressive, interactive tobacco education program combines a six-lesson curriculum that meets CDC guidelines with a two-day tobacco addiction simulation. An electronic device, designed to look like a real cigarette pack, uses voice recognition software and wireless technology. The pack's appearance and portability contribute to the realism and social impact of the simulation, and increasingly consumes the participant's time and attention by demanding “smoke breaks.” The demand to smoke, coming from peer pressure audio prompts, increases in intensity, demonstrating that the participant's life is not in their control; rather, it is controlled by the addiction. Messages about changes in personal appearance and the health consequences of smoking vividly communicate addiction hazards. Ultimately, valuable information is relayed in a more engaging manner. The participant is immersed in the multi-sensory addiction experience. The presenter shares her innovative approach to engaging teens and sustaining enthusiasm and comprehension for the duration of the program.The presentation includes a hands-on demonstration of the electronic cigarette pack technology (including programming and detailed reporting), research findings, field test results, and suggested teaching methods. This is a high-energy presentation for educators who care about the health of our youth.