Introduction
Tobacco use is one of the largest public health threats to American youth.
1
The
popularization of electronic cigarettes (“e-cigarettes”) and other next-generation
tobacco products has caused youth tobacco rates to skyrocket. In fact, the Surgeon
General declared youth e-cigarette use an epidemic in 2018.
1
In the 2019 High School Risk Behavior Health Survey, 20.8% of Michigan high school
students reported current use of electronic cigarettes.
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Our public school districts alone reach over 2,600,000 students each year, giving
schools over 2,600,000 opportunities to prevent tobacco initiation and use in youth.
Preventing initiation is crucial: nearly 90% of adult tobacco users began using tobacco
before the age of 18. Simply delaying tobacco use until 25 years of age can significantly
reduce a person’s likelihood of becoming a habitual user.
3
Tobacco-Free School Policy
How can schools prevent youth tobacco use? The most cost-efficient and sustainable
answer is tobacco-free school policy (TFSP) when implemented as part of a
comprehensive effort.
4
The current body of scientific literature on the topic suggests
that comprehensive TFSPs result in lower student tobacco use rates. Comprehensive
TFSPs prohibit use of any and all tobacco and nicotine products, including e-cigarettes,
by everyone at all times on school grounds and at school-sponsored off-grounds
events.
Implementation
Research shows that there are three key parts to TFSP implementation:
1. Consistent enforcement. Enforcing the policy one day but not the next, or only
in certain situations, sends mixed signals to students.
2. Remedial measures rather than punitive measures. There is evidence that
tobacco education and cessation support resources are more effective in
preventing further tobacco use in students than detention or suspension.