TSMU Students Educate Ternopil Schoolchildren About the Impact of Energy Drinks and Electronic Cigarettes on Health

On November 15, 2024, students of group MM-117, Viktoriia Shchepanovska, Kateryna Pereima, and Iryna Stroievus, with their curator, Associate Professor of the Foreign Languages Department Ivanna Vorona, organized an educational session for the schoolchildren of Ternopil Specialized School No. 17. The session focused on two topics: “The Impact of Energy Drinks on the Human Body” and “Electronic Smoking Devices – A New Threat to Teenagers’ Health.” The goal of the event was to inform teenagers about the effects of vaping and energy drink consumption on the human body.

Viktoriia Shchepanovska and Iryna Stroievus educated schoolchildren about the harmful effects of electronic cigarettes on both the smoker and those around them, the risks of developing addiction, and the worsening of existing health conditions. They discussed ways to help teenagers resist the vaping industry’s influence and create a careful attitude toward their health. Legislative measures to protect Ukrainians, especially children and youth, from the harmful effects of tobacco products were also reviewed.

Together with the schoolchildren, the presenters debunked the myth of “harmless” smoking of electronic cigarettes (vaping) and hookah, as all presented materials confirmed the harm of every type of smoking. The psychological aspect of tobacco addiction was also addressed, pointing out that smoking is often perceived among youth as trendy, prestigious, or an adult-like behavior. During the discussion, the students identified social stereotypes, peer pressure, and personal challenges as key psychological causes of smoking.

A lively discussion ensued after the presentation, allowing schoolchildren to ask questions and draw conclusions about the harm caused by vaping and energy drinks.

Kateryna Pereima presented a talk, “The Impact of Energy Drinks on the Human Body,” which outlined the reasons for energy drink consumption, their effects on teenagers’ well-being, activity levels, and mood, as well as the consequences for their health. The discussion included topics such as why teenagers consume energy drinks, the components that force the body to deplete internal energy reserves at an accelerated rate, and what happens to a teenager’s body after the “energy boost” wears off.