CMS’ 100% Tobacco-Free Policy Aims to Reduce Tobacco Use

By Sarah Moore

Substance Abuse Prevention Services conducts a county-wide Youth Drug Survey to help identify the extent of substance abuse problems among youth in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS). The latest data from 2008 shows that 19% of Mecklenburg County high school students have used a tobacco product in the last 30 days.

These statistics remain relatively high despite the fact that locally there is an increase in smoke-free policies, a decrease in the social acceptance of tobacco, and continued prevention education in our schools. Health educators and advocates across North Carolina are working diligently in partnership with the NC Health and Wellness Trust Fund Teen Tobacco Prevention and Cessation initiative to decrease these statistics.

In October 2003, CMS implemented its tobacco-free policy banning tobacco use on all school grounds and at all school-sponsored events. The rest of the state followed in August 2008, when a state law was passed making all 115 NC school districts 100% tobacco-free.

Tobacco-Free School policies prohibit the use of tobacco products by anyone, including students, staff, and visitors, on all school grounds, at all times. This tobacco-free zone includes school property, vehicles, and school-sponsored events, indoors and outdoors, both on and off school property. Signs are posted at all school entrances and athletic fields.

According to school and health officials, it is always a continuing challenge to enforce the policy and educate the community about the importance of being tobacco-free.

Parents, staff, and visitors can help support the policy by politely reminding people to put out their cigarette or take out their spit tobacco.

Statistics across North Carolina show that schools with a well-established tobacco-free policy have 40% fewer smokers than other schools. According to national research, supported by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is the combination of tobacco- free policies, quality health education programs, elimination of tobacco marketing, increased tobacco prices, and quit support that truly make a difference in preventing and reducing teen tobacco use.

While tobacco-free policies are an important part of reducing rates of youth tobacco use, there are many other opportunities to prevent tobacco use. Parents may not realize the great influence they have on their children’s health-related behaviors and decisions. Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about their expectations that they stay tobacco-free, and repeat the message early and often. Let them know tobacco use is dangerous and often deadly. Let them know how serious nicotine addiction is or how tobacco has affected you and your family. Supportive parents and supportive policies can help reduce rates of youth tobacco use and set the foundation for a healthy future.

For more information, contact Sarah Moore, Teen Tobacco Prevention Coordinator, at 704-336-4680 or sarah.b.moore@carolinashealthcare.org