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'Be Smart - Don't Start!' sends a healthy message
(TULSA, OK) Jan. 31, 2007 - A statewide program designed to educate youth about dangers of tobacco use, the fourth annual Be Smart—Don’t Start! Storyboard Contest, kicks off this week.
Sponsored by the American Lung Association of the Central States serving Oklahoma, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, Cox Communications, the Oklahoma State Department of Education, the Oklahoma State Department of Health and The Oklahoman’s Newspapers in Education program, Be Smart—Don’t Start! is a statewide contest to educate kids about the dangers of tobacco, while giving them the chance to share the tobacco-free message with their peers.
“It’s critically important that we start building a healthier Oklahoma at a very young age,” said Wyndham Kidd, president, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma. “Be Smart—Don’t Start! presents a unique opportunity for kids to tell their peers, in their own words, to say ‘no’ to smoking and tobacco use.”
The program gives Oklahoma elementary students (grades K-5) the opportunity to write and draw their idea for a 30-second television public service announcement (PSA) to teach other kids and adults about the dangers of tobacco use.
“Each day more than 4,000 kids try their first cigarette and each day another 1,000 kids become new, regular daily smokers,” said Margaret Crump, senior vice president of community initiatives, American Lung Association of the Central States serving Oklahoma. “Youth tobacco use can create a ‘gateway’ to other substance abuse.”
With the cooperation of public, private and home-schools, blank storyboards are distributed to classrooms, and teachers receive brief anti-tobacco educational materials to go along with storyboards. Contest materials are free and information is available here. The deadline for storyboard submissions is April 20.
State Superintendent of Schools Sandy Garrett stressed the importance of developing habits early in a child’s life that focus on making healthy choices. “We are an eager partner in the Be Smart—Don’t Start! program because choices will be made by students throughout their school years that can negatively impact their health and, as such, learning,” Garrett said. “More and younger children will learn why it is important to never start smoking.”
The Be Smart—Don’t Start! program has been growing in participation and awareness each year since 2004, reaching thousands of students statewide.
“At Cox Communications, we’re extremely dedicated to educating Oklahoma’s youth,” said Dave Bialis, President, Cox Oklahoma. “We think it’s our job to give young people the resources they need to choose a healthy lifestyle. The Be Smart - Don’t Start! campaign does just that, providing an innovative outlet for students to create their own message, and we’re proud to be a part of the program.”
Two grand-prize winners (one from eastern Oklahoma and one from central/western Oklahoma) will have their storyboards produced, using the child’s artwork and voice, and then aired on statewide television. First-, second- and third-place finalists in three grade categories, K-1st; 2nd-3rd and 4th-5th, from eastern and central/western Oklahoma also will receive prizes.
The contest is open to students in public, private and home-based elementary classrooms. Teachers who would like more information or would like their classrooms to participate can visit http://www.bcbsok.com/, or contact Sarah Gatlin, 1-866-876-4376 or by e-mail Sarah_Gatlin@hcsc.net.
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