Denormalising smoking in the classroom: does it cause bullying?

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Health
• Social Psychology

Background:

• The Smokefree Class Competition is Europe's largest school-based smoking prevention program.
• It aims to denormalize smoking by fostering a supportive class climate.
• This study assessed potential negative social impacts, specifically bullying and isolation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of the Smokefree Class Competition on student bullying.
• To determine if the program affects students' perception of isolation.
• To assess the safety and social consequences of the intervention.

Main Methods:

• A cluster randomized controlled trial involving 3490 students from 84 German secondary schools.
• Data collected at baseline and immediately post-intervention (6 months).
• Measured self-reported victimization, bullying perpetration, and social isolation.

Main Results:

• A strong baseline association was found between daily smoking and higher odds of bullying.
• No significant differences in bullying or victimization were observed between intervention and control groups post-program.
• Trends suggested a potential decrease in isolation, particularly for highly isolated students.

Conclusions:

• Participation in the Smokefree Class Competition had no adverse effect on bullying.
• The program did not negatively impact students' perceptions of isolation.
• The intervention appears safe regarding social dynamics among adolescents.