Georgia Adds Tobacco-Free Schools

Tobacco-Free Schools

Georgia Department of Human Resources announces the addition of eight new Tobacco Free School systems, bringing the total of 100% Tobacco Free School systems in Georgia up to 10.

In Georgia, 22% of adults smoke cigarettes, and approximately 80% of them started smoking before age 18. Nine percent of middle school students and 19% of high school students smoke cigarettes. A 100% Tobacco Free School prohibits cigarette, cigar, and pipe smoking, and smokeless tobacco use by students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The policy prohibits tobacco use in school buildings, on school grounds, in school buses or other vehicles used to transport students, and at off-campus school-sponsored events 24 hours per day, seven days per week. A tobacco free policy is more effective if it emphasizes education and prevention rather than punishment for violators.

Increasing the number of 100% Tobacco Free Schools is a priority with DHR's Tobacco Use Prevention efforts for several reasons; primarily, because one of the most effective means of reducing the beginning of tobacco use is a focus on youth, and implementing 100% Tobacco Free Schools is a Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) best practice for tobacco control. Public Health staff have been working collaboratively with local school systems and advocacy groups to achieve this goal. The following school districts have taken steps to improve the health of students and adults by adopting 100% Tobacco Free schools.

In the last year, Glynn County Schools, Worth County Schools, Liberty County Schools, Marietta City Schools, Muscogee County Schools, Hancock County Schools, Douglas County Schools, Charlton County Schools, McDuffie County Schools and Effingham County Schools have become 100% Tobacco Free School Districts. At least one more school system has held hearings and is working toward becoming a 100% Tobacco Free School system.

"We are pleased to be partnering with school districts to educate and inform middle and high school students about the dangers of smoking and using tobacco products," said Stuart Brown, director of DHR's Division of Public Health. "It is our hope that through collaborations with school systems to become 100% Tobacco Free, along with all the other tobacco use prevention programs, we can decrease the health and economic burden of smoking among teens in Georgia, and reduce the number of Georgians who take up smoking during the vulnerable teen years," said Brown.

Public Health's Tobacco Use Prevention program uses various approaches and strategies to reduce the burden of tobacco. DHR also funds the Georgia Tobacco Quit Line. Calling the Georgia Tobacco Quit Line at 1-877-270-STOP or 1-877-2NO-FUME or TYY 1-877-777-6534 is the first step for smokers to improve their health and quit for good. The Georgia Tobacco Quit Line is a free resource that offers counseling, screening and support services to Georgians ages 13 and older who want to quit using tobacco. The Quit Line is open 8 a.m. to midnight daily.

DHR helps train advocates, including youth, who along with supportive adult leaders utilize tools in advocating for policy change and providing peer education. These strategies have been effective in realizing 100% Tobacco Free School Policies and a reduction in teen tobacco use.

We applaud the schools and districts that have adopted tobacco free policies, and appreciate the efforts of all those involved.