Teens Research the Impact of Signage and Positive Messaging on School Water Intake

This school year, teens at John Swett High School in Crockett, California took new steps to promote healthy hydration. Recognizing the need to motivate their peers to hydrate with water—not unhealthy sugary drinks—at school, the students produced teen-designed signage and an engaging messaging campaign.

Eli Figueroa, a project coordinator at CalFresh Healthy Living, University of California, guided the students through their youth-led campaign’s development process. The teens then created weekly messages and produced video clips that their peers viewed during their second period class over the course of two months. The video clips highlighted the group’s message of the week, encouraging students to “Choose Smarter - Drink Water!”

To evaluate the effectiveness of their campaign, the teens designed and administered a student survey pre- and post-campaign. After two months, 52 percent of the students reported that they drank more water. Why? The students confirmed that they were reminded by the frequent campaign signage and messaging. The three most popular reminders were posters, water drop floor stickers, and the weekly video messages, which can be viewed below:

Project 4H2O Weekly Messages:

WEEK ONE (4/3/19)

The Project 4H2O Message of the Week is headaches and tiredness can be caused by dehydration. So please don't hesitate, it's always time to hydrate. Choose Smarter • Drink Water!

WEEK TWO (4/16/19)

The Project 4H2O Message of the Week is: Did you know drinking water stimulates hair growth and makes it shiner? Don't hesitate, it's always time to hydrate. Choose Smarter • Drink Water!

WEEK THREE (4/24/19)

The Project 4H2O Message of the Week is: Did you know drinking water instead of sugary caffeinated drinks helps you maintain focus and avoid a sugar crash. Don't hesitate, it's always time to hydrate. Choose Smarter • Drink Water!

WEEK FOUR (5/7/19) The Project 4H2O Message of the Week is: Did you know, unlike drinking iced coffee, WATER has NO SUGAR and NO CALORIES. Don't wait, it's always time to hydrate. Choose Smarter • Drink Water!

WEEK FIVE (5/15/19) The Project 4H2O Message of the Week is: Did you know drinking WATER can help reduce the likelihood of muscle cramps. Drink at least eight 8oz glasses of water every day! So Don't wait, it's always time to hydrate. Choose Smarter • Drink Water!

WEEK SIX (5/23/19) The Project 4H2O Message of the Week is: Did you know drinking WATER can help improve your smile by keeping your teeth free from cavities. So Don't wait, it's always time to hydrate. Choose Smarter • Drink Water

Catch up on earlier John Swett High School student-led advocacy for school hydration stations here or view the Project H2O Tip Sheets.

Post submitted by Marisa Neelon, MS, RD, Nutrition, Family, & Consumer Sciences Advisor and Charles G. Go, PhD, 4-H Youth Development Advisor with University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.