Frequently Asked Questions About 100% Tobacco-Free Schools
What is a 100% Tobacco-Free School (TFS) district?
A school district that has adopted a 100% TFS policy prohibits tobacco use by anyone, anywhere on school grounds at anytime. The policy applies to students, staff, visitors and all others. This policy also extends to any school-sponsored event held off campus.
Why is 100% TFS important?
The health of North Carolina’s youth is critical to our state’s future. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in five North Carolinians dies from a tobacco-related illness. Despite this tragic figure, roughly 24,500 kids in North Carolina take up smoking each year. Many will become addicted and die prematurely.
Evidence shows that comprehensive school-based programs, combined with community and mass-media efforts, can effectively prevent or postpone the onset of smoking by 20 to 40 percent among U.S. Teens. (Surgeon General’s Report “Reducing Tobacco Use,” 2001). In North Carolina, a 2005 survey found that 27,000 fewer students used tobacco two years after a strong campaign (Reality Unfiltered) to promote 100% TFS policy adoptions was launched.
A 100% TFS policy makes schools healthier. And with an alarming rise in asthma rates in recent years, schools must take steps to reduce exposure to second hand smoke that can trigger asthma attacks.
Can this policy be adopted at the school district level?
Yes. In 2003, NC Health and Wellness Trust Fund (HWTF) Chair Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue authored legislation that empowered every North Carolina school district to adopt a comprehensive tobacco-free school policy at the district level. G.S. 115C-407 provides local school districts the authority needed to adopt and enforce tobacco use policy on school grounds or at school-related or school-sponsored events that is more restrictive than the state policy. Prior to this legislation, school districts were not explicitly allowed to adopt such policies.
Our school buildings are tobacco free, so what will be gained by going 100% tobacco-free?
- Exposure to secondhand smoke – even a small amount – is dangerous. As little as 30 minutes of exposure to secondhand smoke can affect the coronary arteries of healthy, young nonsmokers. It causes acute and chronic respiratory disease and causes or exacerbates asthma, ear infections and upper respiratory infections – primary causes of school absence. TFS policies eliminate the threat of secondhand smoke.
- Adults are role models for students. Without 100% TFS policies, kids receive a mixed message. They are told in class and by their coaches to resist tobacco; yet elsewhere on school property young people may see teachers, peers and visitors using tobacco. Good role models don’t smoke in front of children.
- A 100% TFS policy prepares students for the realities of an increasingly tobacco-free world – one where tobacco use is prohibited at most public places such as worksites, in restaurants, on airplanes, in malls, etc.
- A 100% TFS policy will help establish a tobacco-free norm for our school grounds, which is healthier for everyone - students, school employees and visitors.
How many of North Carolina’s school districts are tobacco free?
Four years ago, only six North Carolina school districts were 100% tobacco-free but today 61 schools have passed TFS policies! With more than half of North Carolina’s schools now 100% tobacco-free, momentum is building and this is clearly becoming the standard for schools in all areas of the state.
How do state leaders feel about this policy?
More and more state and local leaders are seeing the values and benefits of a 100% TFS policy to students and school staff, and many are working with schools and communities to advance this policy. Lt. Governor Perdue and the members of the State Board of Education are examples of staunch 100% TFS policy supporters.
With the current teacher shortage, will we risk losing staff who use tobacco?
No. School administrators from 100% TFS districts all over North Carolina agree that teacher attrition is not an issue. In fact, many administrators in 100% TFS districts say current staff and job applicants prefer a tobacco-free work environment and view this policy very positively.
How do 100% TFS policies affect teachers and staff who use tobacco?
A 100% TFS policy often gives school employees the added motivation needed to cut down their tobacco use or quit altogether.
School districts generally work with voluntary health agencies, hospitals, health departments, employee assistance programs and other community organizations to support those employees who use tobacco and want to quit. A number of school districts provide financial support for employees to attend smoking cessation classes and/or to purchase nicotine replacement therapy.
Will we risk losing our adult supporters at athletic events?
No. There is no evidence to support this claim. In fact, some school districts report just the opposite effect, gaining more attendees who are encouraged by tobacco-free environments.
According to administrators in school districts that have adopted a 100% TFS policy, the vast majority of adults have willingly complied with the policy during athletic events. They recognize that school policies prohibiting tobacco use and alcohol use on campus protect youth safety and offer a positive environment for students and families.
How do we handle the maintenance staff, construction crews and contractors that come on campus and use tobacco?
Much like you would handle compliance with other policies related to use of certain substances on campus (e.g. alcohol) or certain behavior expectations (e.g. non-violence, no firearms). Clearly communicating the policy to firms and companies that contract with the schools is key.
Some employers, including hospitals and government offices, have designated areas for adult tobacco users. Why should school policies be stricter?
Allowing any tobacco use on school campuses is inconsistent with the tobacco-use prevention messages being taught inside the classroom. Schools that are 100% tobacco-free provide the best learning and social environment for students, and a healthier working environment for staff.
Incidentally, hospitals and government offices across North Carolina are currently adopting 100% TFS policies at a rapid pace.
Will prohibiting tobacco use on school campuses hurt the local economy?
No. Changes in North Carolina’s tobacco industry are the result of complex market forces, and are unrelated to tobacco use in our children’s schools. Adults may still choose to use tobacco products, just not on school property or at school sponsored events.
What about the argument that it's legal for adults to use tobacco?
Schools have the authority to develop, adopt and implement policies that are in the best interest of the students and staff. For example, while it’s legal for adults to use other age-restricted products such as alcohol, allowing adults to drink on campus is not in the best interest of students. Therefore, such products are banned on school campuses.
Tobacco is no different – it is a legal product for adults to purchase and use, but not on 100% TFS school campuses and not at school events.
Once a school district adopts a 100% TFS policy, how is it implemented?
Early and frequent communication - including prominently placed signage, letters to parents, announcements made during school events and athletic activities - is the key to successful 100% TFS policy compliance. School districts are encouraged to develop local implementation plans. Model compliance programs and information about obtaining free “Smoke-Free School” signs can be found by contacting the State Director of 100% Tobacco-Free Schools. These signs are provided to school district representatives only at no cost by the Health and Wellness Trust Fund.
Who should I contact if I have more questions on 100% TFS in North Carolina?
TFS Director
100% Tobacco-Free Schools Program
Phone: 919-707-5406
Fax: 919-870-4844
Email: TobaccoFreeSchools.NC@ncmail.net