Safe and Drug-Free Schools
School-Based Tobacco
Use Prevention
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CRF Project Summary
Cigarette Restitution Funds are provided through the Baltimore
County Department of Health for school-based tobacco-use
prevention. These funds support system wide and individual
school initiatives to reduce tobacco-related health risks
among students. These risks may be due to personal use,
secondhand smoke, or environmental smoke issues. Studies
have shown that smoking and secondhand smoke have an impact
on student health, increasing the potential for absenteeism.
In addition, environmental smoke has been linked to cognitive
declines.
School-based initiatives focus on reducing and/or eliminating
student, staff, and caregivers’ tobacco involvement,
as well as collaboration with and support of community and
National smoke-free initiatives.
SmokeFree School Environment
Policy and regulations have been established to maintain
a tobacco-free work environment at all times in all school
Baltimore County Public Schools owned or leased buildings,
grounds, and vehicles. See Policy
2372 and Rule
2372.
Student use or possession of tobacco or tobacco products
on school property or at school-sponsored activities is prohibited
as governed by Policy 5530 and Rule 5530.
Prevention Education
Health Education is required in grades K-8 and as a high
school credit requirement. Tobacco-use prevention is concentrated
in the units addressing substances of abuse in grades 3,
5, 6, and high school. The development of age appropriate
health and safety skills to avoid and reduce the risk of
exposure are provided throughout the curriculum at all
grade levels.
Counseling and Cessation Programs
Students who have violated school tobacco policy or who have
concerns about personal use are directed to school staff,
programs, or other resources available to address their specific
tobacco-related issues. Schools may also apply for funding
to provide cessation services for students.
Local School Initiatives
Each year schools are provided the opportunity to apply for
funding to address specific tobacco-related concerns within
their school community. In the 2007-2008 school year, sixty-two
schools received funding for initiatives.
For Parents and Guardians
- Second-hand
Smoke Riskier for Black Children: Study
Links of Interest
- Tobacco Related Health Observances
- Parent Tips
- Baltimore County Tobacco Resource
Center
- Quit Smoking Resources
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