Implementing Tobacco Free Policy In Public School Districts
Submission Date: June 2016
State/Territory Submitted on the Behalf of: Georgia
States/Territories Involved: Georgia
Funding Source: State/local sources
Other Funding:State funding
Public Health Issue:Currently, 109 out of 181 public school districts in Georgia have 100 percent Tobacco Free School Policy in place; 72 school districts are not yet tobacco-free.
Project Objectives:The adoption of the 100 percent Tobacco Free Schools Policy will more clearly define that no student, staff member or visitor is permitted to use any tobacco products including electronic cigarettes at any time, 24 hours/7 days a week.
Program Action:The 100 percent Tobacco Free Schools policy will address the problem by defining where tobacco will not be permitted. The policy will cover areas in each public school district such as:
- In any building, facility, or vehicle owned, leased, rented, or charted in a specific school district.
- On all school grounds and property — including athletic fields and parking lots — owned, leased, rented, or chartered by a specific school district.
- At any school-sponsored or school-related event on-campus or off-campus by a specificed school district.
The Georgia Department of Public Health, Georgia Department of Education and the Georgia Parent Teacher Assocation are parterning up to adopt the new policy.
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The 100 percent Tobacco Free Schools policy will address the problem by defining where tobacco will not be permitted. The policy will cover areas in each public school district such as:
- In any building, facility, or vehicle owned, leased, rented, or charted in a specific school district.
- On all school grounds and property — including athletic fields and parking lots — owned, leased, rented, or chartered by a specific school district.
- At any school-sponsored or school-related event on-campus or off-campus by a specificed school district.
The Georgia Department of Public Health, Georgia Department of Education and the Georgia Parent Teacher Assocation are parterning up to adopt the new policy.
Data/Other Information Collected:Data was collected through a participation and spreadsheet as well as other supporting documents.
Impact/Accomplishments:The 100 percent Tobacco Free Schools Policy is still in the early stages. However, 109 public school districts in the state have implemented the policy.
Challenges/Lessons Learned:A recent CDC study found that electronic cigarette use had tripled among high school students in just one year from 4.5 percent in 2013 to 13.4 percent in 2014.
Next Steps:The next steps include helping public school districts to adopt, implement and enforce the tobacco free school policy model. School districts will also need to review school policy to determine if the policy is already tobacco free.Ā Securing more partners and having meetings with school district leaders are other steps for the future.
Program Areas:Social Determinants of Health, Tobacco
State Contact Information:
GA
Georgia Department of Public Health
404-657-2700