Schools

Tobacco Free School

Did you Know?

The Connecticut School Health Survey (CSHS) is a school-based survey of students in grades 9 - 12, with randomly chosen classrooms within selected schools, and is anonymous and confidential. It is also nationally known as the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). The health survey previously had two components, the Youth Behavior Component (YBC), and Youth Tobacco Component (YTC), and has been successfully administered in Connecticut since 2005. Starting in 2019, there was just one survey component. The survey is administered to students in odd-numbered years. Anonymous responses responses from a representative sample of Connecticut public school students in grades 9-12 are weighted and analyzed. The major smoking-related content areas contained in the survey were: demographics, tobacco use prevalence, age of initiation, access to tobacco, school, cessation, knowledge and attitudes, mass media influences, and environmental tobacco smoke. The student responses were weighted based on probability of selection and to reflect the Connecticut student population. Responses were analyzed by gender, race/ethnicity, and grade. The findings in this document show that tobacco use is a substantial problem among Connecticut youth starting at an early age, regardless of gender, race, or ethnicity.

Youth Tobacco Use Statistics

School Environment

The use of electronic cigarettes is on the rise. Electronic cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems are now FDA regulated as a tobacco product. There is now evidence that carcinogens have been found in electronic nicotine device aerosol.

Prohibiting the use in school building and property will protect students, faculty and staff from the dangerous chemicals emitted from all electronic nicotine devices as well as prevent children of Connecticut from being initiated to these products and becoming subsequent users.

DPH ENDS Fact Sheet

How to Reduce or Eliminate Tobacco Use

Prohibiting smoking/vaping on school grounds/campus, and at all school-sponsored events.
Increase TV and radio commercials, posters, and other media messages targeted toward youth to counter tobacco product advertisements.
Support and participate in community programs, school and college policies and interventions that encourage tobacco-free environments and lifestyles.
Support community programs that reduce tobacco advertising, promotions, and availability of tobacco products.