Tobacco Free Schools Enforcement Strategies

Use of all tobacco products including vaping devices on school property is prohibited under Colorado’s Tobacco Free Schools law. Adopting a school building level policy can help ensure adequate communication and consistent and timely enforcement of the policy. Frequent communication—including prominently placed signage*, letters to parents, announcements made during school events and athletic activities—is the key to successful tobacco-free school district policy compliance. All school personnel and students are encouraged to support the tobacco-free schools policy as a form of pride in their school and a support for the health of the entire school community. The actual enforcement of the policy and procedures can be designated to school leadership, typically the dean of students or counselor in each school. The intent of tobacco-free schools policy is to promote the health and well-being of the school community; therefore, enforcement of the policy is designed to support health rather than punishment. In Colorado, we know that youth who do not have an adult they feel comfortable speaking with, youth who feel unsafe at school, youth who experience economic instability, and youth who have mental health challenges are more likely than their peers to smoke and use nicotine products. Furthermore, youth who receive disciplinary action (i.e. suspensions, expulsions) and are involved in the juvenile justice system are at higher risk of dropping out of school and further involvement in delinquency. There are inherent biases in our systems, as students with disabilities and students of color are generally suspended and expelled at higher rates than their peers. Punitive procedures and discipline practices can contribute to youth disengaging from school and create the conditions for a negative school climate. Tobacco possession and use violations can be approached as a health issue rather than a school discipline / community violation issue. A progressive discipline approach allows students to remain in school and receive tobacco use education and cessation services. Please click on the following link for specific strategies for enforcement, violations and what works and what doesn’t. Tobacco Free Schools Enforcement Strategies

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