ACT 815 & SCHOOLS
What does this mean for my school?
Schools in Louisiana with grades pre-K through 12th must prohibit smoking on school property, including buildings, grounds (outdoors and off campus school activities) and buses. Policies of this sort are generally referred to as 100% smoke-free policies.
When does the Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act become law?
Beginning January 1, 2007, all schools in Louisiana with grades pre-K through 12th must become 100% smoke-free.
What should I do to ensure that my school obeys the new law?
You should begin by removing ALL ashtrays from the school grounds including teacher lounges, cafeterias, restrooms and other places where smoking may occur. Clearly display No Smoking signs or the international No Smoking Symbol within the school and grounds. You can download one for FREE.
Can I get in trouble if my school does not enforce the law?
Yes. There are fines for both individuals and employers caught smoking on school property.
Fines for individuals caught smoking:$25 for the first offense, $50 for the second offense, and $100 for the third and subsequent offenses.
_Fines for schools/employers: _$100 for the first offense, $250 for the second offense, and $500 for the third and subsequent offenses.
Why are 100% smoke-free school policies good for all Louisiana students?
In our state, 9,000 kids under age 18 become new daily smokers each year and 107,900 kids now under age 18 will die prematurely from smoking (the approximate size of Lafayette, the fourth largest city in Louisiana).
Considering that 13.8 million pack of cigarettes are bought or smoked by Louisiana youth each year (according to The Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids), there is a need for 100% smoke-free schools—here are some benefits:
+ They decrease the number of cigarettes smoked and change social and cultural norms.
+ They provide safe environments for students by reducing exposure to secondhand smoke.
+ They support prevention messages delivered in classrooms by sending clear, consistent messages regarding tobacco use.
+ They encourage adult employees and visitors to model positive behavior for students.
+ They prepare students to participate in smoke-free workplaces and communities.
What is the best way for my school to enforce the new 100% smoke-free policy required by the Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act?
- Communicate the policy positively and emphasize that tobacco-free lifestyles are in the best educational, health, and social interests of everyone.
- Ask all school staff to assist with compliance across the board.
- Designate one person such as the principal, health teacher or school nurse to oversee policy compliance.
- Develop an enforcement plan that includes:
1. Strategies to communicate the plan to students, staff, visitors and parents
2. Consequences for violation of the 100% smoke-free school policy
3. Designation of individuals who will be responsible for monitoring and enforcement
4. Process for the handling of complaints and issues
5. List of all areas on the school campus to be monitored