Note: This site documents N.C.’s work on making public schools tobacco free, from 2000 until state law went into effect in 2008, and is provided as a resource for states and communities currently working to make their schools tobacco free. Factual information reflects research and data from 2000-2008.
Examples of Positive Statements to Communicate a
100% Tobacco-Free School Policy to the Public
Even with signs, written materials, and event announcements, some school visitors may not realize that the school district has a 100% tobacco-free school policy in place. This is why all school staff
should be trained to communicate the policy – one-on-one – to the public. Gentle, positive and clear messages will let violators know that the policy is in place, and that it will be enforced. Knowing
how to effectively communicate the policy will go a long way towards relieving stress school staff may have regarding enforcement, and will help to avoid negative confrontations with parents, workers
and other school visitors.
Following are some tips for verbally communicating the policy:
- Gentle reminders: Chances are, the person in violation of the policy is unaware that it is in place.
- A rationale for the policy: Inform violators of the reasons for the policy in a positive manner. Let them know the school board enacted the policy to protect students, school staff, and
visitors from secondhand smoke, to ensure a safe learning and work environment for students and staff, and to model healthy and positive behaviors for students.
- Range of communication strategies: Make sure that other communication strategies are in place to support verbal messages. For example, visitors to outdoor athletic events should see signs and information in event programs that communicate the policy, as well as hear announcements at the start of the game and between quarters that remind them of the policy.
- A process for consistent violators: Have a plan in place in the unlikely event that school visitors will not comply with requests to refrain from tobacco use while on campus. An example
would be a school supporter at an outdoor athletic event who refuses to stop smoking.
- First violation: Inform the visitor of the policy (using one of the phrases below).
- Second violation: Inform the visitor of the policy again. Suggest that they leave campus if they want to smoke. Let them know that they will be asked to leave stadium if they continue to violate the policy.
- Third violation: Ask law enforcement personnel at the stadium to escort the visitor off campus.
Examples of positive statements to communicate the policy:
- “Pardon me, you must not realize that our school district now has a 100% tobacco-free school policy in place – this means no tobacco use anywhere on campus, at anytime, by anyone. Our school board passed
the policy to protect students, staff and school visitors from secondhand smoke and to create a healthy and positive environment for students. We ask that everyone comply with the policy.
Thank you for your cooperation.”
- “I’m sorry, but I must ask you to comply with our school district’s 100% tobacco-free school policy by putting out your cigarette (or putting away your e-cigarette). The aim of our policy is to protect our students, staff, and school visitors
from second-hand smoke, and to role model healthy behavior for all students. Thank you for your cooperation.”
- “Excuse me, I must ask you to put away your chewing tobacco. We have a 100% tobacco-free school policy in place on our campus. We ask that everyone – including staff and visitors – refrain from using
any tobacco products until they leave the campus. I appreciate your cooperation.”
- “Excuse me, I must ask you to refrain from smoking (or vaping) while on campus. Our school board has enacted a district-wide 100% tobacco-free school policy. This means no tobacco use anywhere on campus, by
anyone, at any time. This policy is designed to ensure a positive and healthy environment learning and working environment for students. Thank you for your cooperation."
