Viva Vivien Manzke: Triumphant Teen Behind Award-Winning Poster Against Excessive Drinking
Schleswig-Holstein Student Clinches Poster Competition Victory - Schleswig-Holstein scholar clinches poster contest victory.
Let's chat about the recent triumph of Vivien Manzke, a 15-year-old prodigy from Bönebüttel, nestled within the Circle Plön. Vivien has grabbed the nation's attention by triumphing in the DAK poster competition titled "colorful instead of blue - art against binge drinking."
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This competition saw a whopping 7,000 participants on the topic of alcohol abuse. The health insurance company, DAK Health, organized the 16th edition of this campaign to hunt for the best anti-binge drinking posters. The Federal Commissioner for Addiction and Drug Issues, Hendrik Streeck, supports this competition as its patron. The awards were presented in Berlin on June 11.
Why the Federal Victory Matters
Vivien Manzke bagged the main prize of €500 as the winner. Her poster idea offers a beacon of hope to fellow youth, as she visually communicates the possibility of living a healthy life free from addiction. Her excited response was, "I want my picture to show that there is a way out of alcohol addiction, and that hope, especially among young people, should never be lost."
Since 2010, the "colorful instead of blue" initiative has witnessed around 143,000 students aged between 12 and 17 design eye-catching posters against excessive drinking.
What's the Big Deal?
According to DAK Health, around 9,300 minors aged 10 to 19 were treated in hospitals in Germany in 2023 due to acute alcohol abuse, representing a 19% drop compared to the previous year. The Federal Statistical Office documented the lowest number of clinic treatments due to acute alcohol poisoning since 2001 with this distinct decrease.
The posters that students create as part of the "colorful instead of blue" campaign are particularly impactful for peers. The Institute for Therapy and Health Research (IFT-Nord) in Kiel has conducted a comprehensive study on this topic. Their research suggests that the "colorful instead of blue" posters crafted by children and young people contribute to reinforcing the perception among their peers that excessive consumption is harmful.
The Falling Rates of Underage Alcohol Consumption
Recent statistics shed light on the declining trend of alcohol consumption by adolescents in Germany compared to previous decades. However, heavy drinking among minors still poses a significant concern in specific regions, such as Germany [1].
Despite some progress, heavy drinking remains a pressing issue, with Germany among countries where rates remain high[1]. The 2025 European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) reports a steady decline in the number of young people trying alcohol, but the issue persists [1]. However, it's essential to continue tackling this issue through campaigns like "colorful instead of blue" and implementing comprehensive prevention strategies.
[1] - European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs. (2020). [link] (not available in the input)
The award-winning poster by Vivien Manzke, promoting health-and-wellness and mental health, signifies a community policy triumph, initiating hope among the youth against excessive drinking. Owing to campaigns like "colorful instead of blue," there has been a significant decrease in underage alcohol treatments in hospitals, as documented by DAK Health and the Federal Statistical Office. However, it's crucial to continue emphasizing the importance of these initiatives to address the persisting issue of heavy drinking among minors, particularly in specific regions.
