NERS NEWS— A group of students conducted a youth health education activity entitled “Prevention of Smoking and Drug Abuse Among Adolescents” on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. Western Indonesia Time (WIB) at the RW 03 Community Hall in Surabaya. The activity targeted adolescents aged 10–19 years and aimed to increase their knowledge and awareness of the dangers of smoking, drugs, and alcohol, as well as the importance of adopting healthy behaviors from adolescence.
The health education activity was delivered through interactive lectures and question-and-answer sessions using PowerPoint presentations and leaflets as educational media. The materials covered the definition and dangers of smoking, drugs, and alcohol; their effects on physical and psychological health; the risks of passive smoking; and strategies to prevent the use of cigarettes, drugs, and alcohol among adolescents.
The activity was attended by adolescents aged 10–19 years from the RW 03 area. Throughout the session, participants demonstrated enthusiasm by paying attention to the presentation, participating in discussions, and asking various questions about the effects of smoking, drugs, and alcohol on the body. Several questions raised by participants concerned the dangers of passive smoking, the differences between illegal and legal cigarettes, the safety of hand-rolled cigarettes, and why substances such as cannabis, heroin, and methamphetamine can cause health problems and dependence.
During the presentation, participants were given an understanding that the use of cigarettes, drugs, and alcohol can negatively affect various organs and systems of the body. They also received information about the dangers of drugs such as cannabis, heroin, and methamphetamine, including their effects on the nervous system and the risk of dependence. In addition, participants were educated on ways to prevent the use of harmful substances by choosing positive peer environments, engaging in beneficial activities, and having the confidence to refuse invitations to try cigarettes, drugs, or alcohol.
As part of the activity, participants also completed a pre-test and post-test to assess changes in their knowledge following the educational session. Participants were then invited to take part in the “Pohon Cita-Cita Remaja HEBAT” (HEBAT Youth Dream Tree) activity by writing down their aspirations and commitments to maintaining their health and staying away from cigarettes, drugs, and alcohol. The activity concluded with the distribution of leaflets as educational materials that participants could review independently.
The activity aimed to increase adolescents’ knowledge and awareness of the dangers of smoking, drugs, and alcohol while encouraging them to make healthy decisions in their daily lives. Through the education provided, adolescents are expected to be able to recognize the risks associated with harmful substances, refuse invitations to try them, and build peer environments that support healthy behaviors.
Through this health education activity, adolescents are expected to become “Remaja Hebat”—healthy, active, and equipped to pursue a positive future by staying away from cigarettes, drugs, and alcohol. The activity also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, through improving health literacy and preventing risky behaviors among adolescents.
Writers: Munifa’tu Ni’mah & Lintang Prameswari
