Enforcement of school tobacco-free policies makes a positive impact on reducing youth initiation of tobacco use. The success of policy compliance depends on a number of factors, including understanding cultural and situational differences among students. This is especially important in those most likely to use tobacco products.

Providing support to students and staff who are struggling with tobacco addiction is also important for effective policy compliance. 24/7 offers a full list of cessation resources available statewide to help make this support more accessible to schools.

Another component of effective tobacco-free policy enforcement is disciplinary action. For a tobacco policy to be comprehensive, the discipline policy must be specific and progressive. Rather than starting with punitive action, it is recommended to start with progressive, supportive discipline consisting of educational opportunities like counseling, community service, and projects; only escalating to suspension for when supportive tactics have been exhausted.

Each violation should incorporate a referral for cessation support, as tobacco is addicting and can be cause for why a student may be experimenting with or regularly using tobacco. When done supportively and progressively, enforcement of school tobacco-free policies makes a positive impact on reducing student tobacco use.

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