School Tobacco Policy Survey Findings

The Chronic Disease Primary Prevention Program at the Harrison County Health Department recently surveyed the Harrison county school districts regarding tobacco policies. Some of the results may be surprising. All five school districts in the county were asked the same questions to obtain these results.

The first questions were in regards to smoking policies and smoking areas allowed at the school. We found that eighty percent of schools surveyed were not familiar with the “Clean Indoor Air Act”. Sixty percent of schools have areas designated outside for smoking. Only one district prohibits smoking at school sponsored events and no schools have “tobacco use prohibited” signs posted.

We also surveyed the schools about tobacco use prevention and cessation. It was found that 100 percent of the schools do have some tobacco prevention integrated into the curriculum. Only 40 percent of the schools offer any smoking cessation services to the staff or students.

The last asked how happy the schools are with their current tobacco use policies. Only 40 percent of the schools were satisfied with their current policy, but only forty percent were contemplating changes to the policy. Of all the schools surveyed, 80 percent would rather not have assistance in changing their smoking policy but 60 percent said they would like to receive information on smoking/tobacco use prevention education.