Schools new tobacco free policy is going smoothly

With the new year came the institution of a countywide tobacco free policy. For the most part, the public has been receptive to the new policy, according to Lidjea Andrews, who was hired last year as the school system’s tobacco prevention coordinator.

Andrews said that, so far, only two people have been given notice under the new school policy and both complied with the rule after being notified. Both were from visiting schools, she pointed out. She added that the policy affects everyone on school property, both inside and outside.

“I’d say I’ve heard positive remarks from about 95 percent of the population,” Andrews said in an interview. “I’ve heard people say they couldn’t stand being near a smoker or it bothered them at games and they’re glad now they won’t have to be around it. Then, I’ve heard just a few comments about how people think this will bring attendance down at school events. I think it’s a shame if you’re going to let your tobacco keep you from coming to see your son or daughter or neighbor’s child play. I think we might see a slight decline, but I don’t think it will stay that way.”

Andrews did her research on how the policy had effected other schools and commented, “If any declines happened at other schools, it’s just been temporary.”

For the members of the crowd who will fight the urge to “light up” during school events students who are a part of the Health Promotion Club, the high school’s anti-tobacco club, will be providing another vice to the tobacco user.

“The members are going to hand out gum and candy, so hopefully, they can make it through the game that way.”

What Does 100 Percent Tobacco Free Mean?

Andrews noted that many would argue that the schools were tobacco-free prior to the institution of the policy. However, that was only inside the school buildings, not all over the campuses. At the beginning of 2006, the policy changed.

“100 percent tobacco free means that nobody — teachers, staff, parents, visitors, construction workers — absolutely nobody could use tobacco products while they’re on school property...on the school bus or in a school maintenance vehicle.” This includes cigarettes, spit tobacco, snuff, pipes and cigars.

“This means at football games, they can’t stand outside the stadium and smoke. It will not be allowed.”

Enforcement

The offenders of the policy will not be overlooked, Andrews stated, as she addressed how other schools have handled the situation.

“What I’ve heard from other schools is if someone lights up or is using tobacco products, a lot of times, the people around them will say something to them before the principal or school staff will have to say anything,” she said. “If nobody says anything or they continue to do it after that, then somebody will go up to them and state politely, ‘We don’t do that here and it’s not allowed.’ If they continue, they will be asked to leave.

“A principal in Caldwell County said, a lot of times, he doesn’t say anything; for example, if the offender is a parent, he’ll call them the next day,” Andrews continued. “A lot of it’s going to depend on the principal, but in our policy, it’s outlined that they’ll be asked to put it out and if they refuse, they’ll be asked to leave school property.” Should the behavior continue in subsequent occasions, Andrews stated, per policy, Superinten-dent Jeff Cox will be notified of the situation.

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