Top Artists Unite to Help Dutch Teens Resist Vaping

Nearly a quarter of Dutch teenagers aged 12 to 16 (24.6%) say they have tried vaping, according to research from the Trimbos Institute — that’s roughly 240,000 young people. Vaping isn’t just toxic; it disrupts brain development and is highly addictive. That’s why Stefania, Bizzey, and Sterre Koning have launched 'Ik zeg nee' ('I Say No') — a brand-new track and music video encouraging young people to say no to things that aren’t good for them, like vaping. The artists are joining forces as The Organs, a fictional band created by the lungs, heart, and brain, who each face physical problems when you vape. In collaboration with the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS), they’re making a social statement aimed at strengthening young people’s resilience. The campaign is part of the national Anti-Vaping Action Plan.

Stronger against peer pressure

Young people become addicted to vaping much more quickly than adults — often without realising it. Their brains respond more strongly to rewards than adult brains do, making them less resistant to temptation and more prone to dependency. On top of that physical vulnerability, peer pressure plays a major role. Teenagers often adjust their behaviour to fit in. Research shows this can push them to do things they actually don’t want to do. Saying no to a vape can be hard, especially if friends or family are using one.

“A lot changes in the lives of young people during the first years of secondary school. That’s exactly when resisting peer pressure becomes challenging. It’s crucial that teens feel strong enough to make their own choices — especially when it concerns their health,” said Prof. Dr. Arnt Schellekens, national rapporteur on addictions and professor of addiction and psychiatry at Radboudumc. “This campaign highlights that saying no to vaping isn’t just brave — it’s a sign of self-respect and resilience. We want to prevent a new generation from starting to vape, especially when they feel pressure from peers. Not starting is always easier than having to quit later.”

'I Say No'

The song and video are all about strength, standing up for yourself, and doing what’s genuinely right for you. It’s a track that shows how powerful it is to say no to things that are toxic for you. The chorus will definitely stick in your head: 'Ik zeg nee.'

“I’m joining this campaign because I think it’s important for people to understand how harmful vaping really is — and that we actually still know very little about it. It’s scary to use something when you don’t know what it does to your body,” said Stefania. “Saying no might feel difficult, but it shows that you are in control and that you choose your own health.”

Sterre added, “I think it’s incredibly important that young people learn early on how to say no to things that are unhealthy. Everyone struggles with saying no sometimes, because you want to fit in, but choosing for yourself is the true strength. As an example figure, I want to speak up about this — because you’re not an outsider just because you say no!”

A feel-good beat with a serious message

In the music video, the lungs, heart, and brain come to life as animated versions of the three artists. Over a catchy beat, they each sing about how great it feels to do your own thing. The upbeat message 'I say no' contrasts with the harsh reality shown in parts of the video: if you don’t say no to vaping, your organs suffer.

Bizzey explained, “I want to contribute to a healthy future and see the next generation grow up strong. We want to show that you always have the option to say no — and that choosing no is actually powerful. The more you do it, the more normal it becomes, and the stronger and healthier you stay.”

About the campaign

This campaign from the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport targets young people aged 12–16, encouraging them—through a track and a music video—to say no out loud more often and to stand strong against peer pressure. With this campaign, the ministry aims to help prevent young people from starting to vape. The campaign follows the national awareness campaign ‘No to Vaping’, which informed parents of 12–16-year-olds about the harms of vaping and encouraged them to start the conversation with their children. Both campaigns align with the previously announced Action Plan Against Vaping.

Action plan against vaping

The Action Plan Against Vaping focuses on three areas: combating illegal trade, preventing young people from starting to vape, and encouraging and supporting people who want to quit vaping. The plan includes additional powers and funding for the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority to tackle the growing illegal trade.