Teen Smoking Intervention Plan for a UK Secondary School
This report presents a comprehensive smoking intervention plan designed for a secondary school in Kingsbrook, Bedfordshire, England. Drawing on national statistics showing that approximately 207,000 children under the age of 16 took up smoking in 2011, the report outlines the need for urgent action. The intervention is grounded in self-control theory and the Theory of Planned Behaviour, and it incorporates three core techniques: assessing current smoking habits through surveys, formulating school-wide policies and conduct codes, and providing student education on the health consequences of smoking. The report also details an implementation timeline, required resources, and a two-part evaluation framework using process and outcome evaluation methods.
- Introduction: Objectives and overview of the smoking intervention
- Need Analysis: Health risks and evidence supporting urgent action
- Development of the Intervention: Theories and three core intervention techniques
- Intervention Implementation Plan: Timeline and resources required for implementation
- Evaluation: Process and outcome evaluation methods
- Conclusion: Summary and recommendation to implement the plan
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What makes this paper effective
- The paper is well-structured with clearly labeled sections that move logically from problem identification through theory, implementation, and evaluation.
- It grounds practical recommendations in established behavioural theories — specifically the Theory of Planned Behaviour and self-control theory — lending academic credibility to the proposed intervention.
- The inclusion of specific, actionable steps (surveys, policy codes, seminars, co-curricular activities) makes the intervention realistic and implementable rather than purely theoretical.
Key academic technique demonstrated
The paper demonstrates applied theoretical integration: it takes academic frameworks (TPB, self-control theory) and maps them directly onto practical intervention strategies. Rather than merely describing theories, the author connects each theoretical claim to a specific proposed action, showing how academic knowledge translates into real-world programme design.
Structure breakdown
The report follows a standard public health intervention format: Introduction → Need Analysis → Theoretical Grounding → Specific Techniques → Implementation Plan (timeline and resources) → Evaluation (process and outcome) → Conclusion. This progression mirrors professional intervention planning documents and is appropriate for a health education or public health context at the undergraduate level.
Introduction
Smoking is widely considered a serious detriment to the physical and mental health of human beings. With this in mind, it is important to design an intervention that can reduce the rate of smoking among teenagers and students at a secondary school in Kingsbrook, Bedfordshire, England. Evidence of increasing smoking patterns among young people in the UK is presented throughout this report. Smoking can be reduced by applying motivational theories and by rewarding students for choosing not to smoke. Other frameworks, such as self-control theory, can also be used to minimise smoking rates among teenagers and students.
The intervention does not focus solely on students. It involves all members of the school community — including teachers and other staff — in actively promoting improved student health. The intervention will serve the following objectives:
- To reduce the rate of smoking at the school by developing effective preventive measures.
- To ensure that new students do not take up smoking habits.
- To improve the mental and physical health of students.
Need Analysis
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2006, p. 1), "Smoke-free environments are the most effective method for reducing exposures." Smoking can cause serious illnesses that adversely affect the health of teenagers and can contribute to higher mortality rates. It is therefore essential to implement initiatives that control the rising rate of smoking among young people.
According to Ackley and Ladwig (2013, p. 186), smoking impedes effective breathing. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) — characterised by chronic poor airflow that worsens over time — can cause coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and excess mucus production, all of which can seriously affect teenagers. Research also reveals that many young habitual smokers have parents with lower educational qualifications (Arnett, 2007, p. 517).
References
Ackley, B. J., & Ladwig, G. B. (2013). Nursing diagnosis handbook: An evidence-based guide to planning care. Elsevier Health Sciences, p. 186.
Arnett, J. J. (Ed.). (2007). International encyclopedia of adolescence: A–J, index (Vol. 1). Taylor & Francis, p. 517.
Crawford, E. C. (2014). Tobacco goes to college: Cigarette advertising in student media, 1920–1980. McFarland, p. 199.
Kotecki, J. E. (2011). Physical activity and health: An interactive approach. Jones & Bartlett Learning, p. 251.
Lamb, M. E., & Freund, A. M. (2010). The handbook of life-span development: Social and emotional development. John Wiley & Sons, p. 240.
McCrady, B. S., & Epstein, E. E. (2013). Addictions: A comprehensive guidebook. Oxford University Press, p. 375.
The Guardian. (2013, March 22). Number of children taking up smoking rises 50,000 in a year. Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/mar/22/number-children-smoking-rises-year
Topa, G., & Moriano, J. A. (2010). Theory of planned behaviour and smoking: Meta-analysis and SEM model. Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation, 1, 23.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2006). The health consequences of involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke: A report of the Surgeon General. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office on Smoking and Health.
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