It’s the law. State public health law prohibits smoking in workplaces, including schools, school grounds, and vehicles transporting children and school personnel. Federal law bans smoking in all indoor facilities owned or leased by schools.

Support classroom instruction and
other prevention efforts. Students receive classroom instruction regarding the hazards of tobacco use. Schools that are not Tobacco-Free send a conflicting message to students about tobacco use.

Reinforce norms regarding tobacco use. More than 80% of New Yorkers do not smoke. Tobacco-Free school policies reinforce that tobacco use is socially unacceptable.

Counteract the tobacco industry’s targeting of children. Internal industry documents indicate that tobacco companies have purposefully marketed to children as young as 14. Tobacco-Free schools help shield students from tobacco marketing.

Reduce exposure to secondhand smoke for students and staff. Secondhand smoke causes premature death and disease, exacerbates asthma and respiratory illnesses (contributing to increased absenteeism), and impairs a students’ ability to learn, putting them at increased risk for difficulties with reading and math.

Provide positive adult role models for students. More than 40% of NYS students report having seen adults smoking on school property during the previous month. Implementing Tobacco-Free school policies with parents, staff, and visitors provides positive role models for students.

Protect children from developing an addiction to tobacco. Ninety percent of all adult smokers began smoking in their teens, and nearly two-thirds became daily smokers before age 19. Studies find that students who attend schools with strong Tobacco-Free policies are less likely to use tobacco.

Prepare students for a Tobacco-Free world. Tobacco-Free worksites and communities are becoming the norm throughout the world. In addition, employers are becoming more reluctant to hire smokers due to increased absenteeism, health care costs, and possible disability.