Comprehensive Tobacco Free School Policy Components

Establishing a comprehensive school based tobacco free policy is a key strategy outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for preventing and reducing tobacco use among youth . Comprehensive school based tobacco free policies benefit students, faculty, staff and visitors by reducing exposure to secondhand smoke and establishing frameworks which reinforce tobacco free norms and attitudes. The following twelve policy components are derived from CDC's “Guidelines for School Health Programs to Prevent Tobacco Use and Addiction”. A tobacco free school policy must include ALL twelve components to satisfy Tobacco Free Florida’s standards for a comprehensive school based tobacco free policy.

  1. The policy includes a statement explaining the rationale for a tobacco free campus policy and definitions of tobacco and tobacco use , including electronic smoking/ vaping devices.
  2. All components of the policy are effective 24 hours a day, 365 days per year . This includes all days and times when school is not in session.
  3. Tobacco is specifically na med in the policy, not implied by prohibiting drugs.
  4. All school buildings, grounds, campuses, housing, property (including vehicles/ busses), whether owned or leased, are tobacco free at all times.
  5. Students are prohibited from possessing and/or using tobacco products on school grounds and at school events, whether on or off school district property.
  6. School staff are prohibited from using tobacco products on school grounds and at school events, whether on or off school district property.
  7. Visitors are prohibited from using tobacco at school events, both on and off school property.
  8. Wearing clothing or using other items that advertise or promote tobacco products is prohibited.
  9. Prohibits tobacco advertising and acceptance of gifts (including tobacco prevention and cessation materials/services) from the tobacco industry.
  10. A communication plan for all students, staff and visitors is included, such as signage, handbooks, trainings, or announcements.
  11. An enforcement plan for students, staff and visitors is included.
  12. An enforcement plan for students and staff that provides cessation resources is included.