100% TFS Toolkit – Answer Your Critics

Argument 1: My local school district already prohibits tobacco use inside buildings - that goes far enough.

Answers:

• Exposure to secondhand smoke on school grounds - even a small amount - can be dangerous. As little as 30 minutes of exposure can affect coronary arteries in healthy non-smokers. Avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke reduces rates of asthma, a leading cause of illness and absenteeism in students.
• Allowing tobacco use on school grounds sends a contradictory message to students when they learn about the harmful effects of tobacco use in classes, only to see role models such as teachers using tobacco on school grounds.
• A 100% TFS policy prepares students for the ever-increasing number of tobacco-free environments like workplaces, malls, restaurants and airplanes, etc.

Argument 2: Not only will this make it tougher to recruit teachers and staff, some of the staff we have will leave.

Answers:

• Personnel at the school districts that have adopted a 100% TFS policy say teacher attrition is not an issue. In fact, many administrators in tobacco-free school districts say job applicants prefer a tobacco-free work environment and view this policy as an asset.

Argument 3: Adults won't come to our athletic events if we adopt this policy.

Answers:

• 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.
• Administrators in school districts that have adopted a 100% TFS policy have noted that the vast majority of adults have willingly complied with the tobacco-free school policy during athletic events. They understand and appreciate that school policies, like the ones prohibiting tobacco use and alcohol use on campus, are designed to protect youth and offer a positive environment for students and families.
• It's becoming common for people to expect an event or a facility to be tobacco-free as we have become more aware of the health risks of secondhand smoke. Malls, movie theaters, restaurants and air travel have become smoke-free, and they haven't seen any decline in patronage whatsoever.
• The school policy does not require folks to quit using tobacco; it simply asks them to refrain from tobacco use on school property and at school-sponsored events.

Argument 4: It will be impossible to get people to comply with the policy.

Answers:

• People will comply with the policy if they know it exists. Early and frequent communication - such as signage, letters home, information in event programs, and announcements during outdoor athletic events - is the key to insuring compliance with the policy.

Argument 5: There's no way to get contractors, construction crews and maintenance to comply with the policy.

Answers:

• Insuring compliance with a 100% TFS policy is no different than insuring compliance with other policies, such as those prohibiting the use of alcohol or firearms on campus.
• It's essential to clearly communicate the policy to firms and companies that contract with the schools by adding compliance language into the school contract, informing them of the policy during the interview process and having adequate signage at the school to remind them of the policy.

Argument 6: Some employers, including hospitals and government offices, have designated areas for adult tobacco users. Why should school policies be stricter?

Answers:

• Schools are a primary place where our children develop many lifelong behaviors - how to smoke should not be one of them. 100% tobacco-free schools provide the best learning and social environment for students, and a healthier work environment for staff.
• Allowing tobacco use on school campuses is inconsistent with the tobacco use prevention messages taught in the classroom because students can see adult role models engaging in an unhealthy habit. This sets a bad example and exposes students and other staff members to secondhand smoke.
• Hospitals and government offices across North Carolina are actually adopting 100% tobacco-free policies at a rapid pace.

Argument 7: Prohibiting tobacco use on school campuses will hurt the local economy.

Answers:

• Changes in North Carolina's tobacco industry are the result of complex market forces, not policies prohibiting 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.
• A decline in tobacco use prevalence will actually help the economy by saving North Carolina millions of dollars in taxpayer-funded health-care costs.

Argument 8: It's legal for adults to use tobacco, so it shouldn't be prohibited on school property.

Answers:

• Schools have the authority to develop, adopt and implement policies that are in the best interest of the students and staff.
• It is legal for adults to use other age-restricted products, such as alcohol. However, allowing adults to use these products on campus is not in the best interest of students. Therefore, these products are banned on school campuses.
• Tobacco is a legal product for adults to purchase and use, but a tobacco-free school policy restricts its use on school campus and at school events only.