Supporting Gulf County students in a tobacco-free environment

By Minnie Likely Guest Columnist

As members of the Gulf County Tobacco-Free Partnership, we have committed ourselves to fostering healthier environments for our children. We are thrilled to announce a significant advancement in our mission: on Sept. 13, 2023, the Gulf County School Board unanimously adopted comprehensive tobacco-free policies for our schools. This decision represented a crucial milestone in our efforts to shield students from the detrimental effects of tobacco and nicotine products.

These changes are a response to national and state trends, media influences, and the dedicated efforts of organizations like ours. According to the annual Florida Youth Tobacco Survey, the increase in youth e-cigarette use has slowed, however 12.5% of high schoolers are still using e-cigarettes. The U.S. Surgeon General and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have both been vocal in expressing concern about youth e-cigarette use, declaring it a national epidemic. Despite legislative changes and FDA actions, popular brands of new disposable e-cigarettes such as Puff Bar and HQD (Cuvie) continue to entice children with flavors like “Blue Razz” and bubblegum.

The change in policies – GCSB Board Policy numbers 1215, 3215, 4215, and 5512 – demonstrated the school board’s dedication to the health and well-being of our youth. They cover essential areas, including:

• Banning the acceptance of gifts from the tobacco industry
• Requiring communication and distribution of these policies to students, staff, and parents
• Providing access to tobacco cessation resources for those in need
• Establishing clear enforcement protocols for students, staff, and visitors

These policies extend beyond mere rule enforcement; they aim to support students in making healthier choices. Research and feedback from students, parents, and educators indicate that punitive measures like suspension or expulsion often yield unintended consequences. Instead, these policies emphasize educational resources and cessation support to help students comprehend the risks of tobacco use and equip them with the means to quit if they are already using tobacco products.

As a community, we must persist in advocating for supportive rather than punitive approaches. By focusing on education, prevention, and cessation, we can cultivate a positive environment where students are empowered to make healthier choices for themselves.\
Your voice plays a vital role in how these policies are implemented and supported. Together, we can ensure that Gulf County becomes a place where every student has the chance to lead a healthy, tobacco-free life. Thank you for your ongoing support in fostering a healthier future for our children.
For more information about the partnership, please visit Gulf | Tobacco Free Florida.

Minnie Likely, vice-chair of the Gulf County Tobacco Free Partnership, can be reached at likely_m@hotmail.com