Tobacco-Free Schools

Smoking and COVID-19

Being a current or former cigarette smoker increases your risk of severe illness from COVID-19.


South Carolina state law requires all public school districts to adopt, implement, and enforce a written tobacco-free schools policy that includes e-cigarettes and vaping devices.  All state requirements regarding youth and commercial tobacco products can be found here:

Tobacco-free schools are a proven way to prevent youth tobacco use.  Protecting youth, school staff, and visitors from exposure to secondhand smoke and vaping aerosol creates healthy environments for everyone.  Keys to a successful and effective tobacco-free school policy include clear communication, periodic policy review and updates, and non-punitive enforcement. The Division of Tobacco Prevention and Control provides a number of resources to help school districts implement a comprehensive tobacco-free policy that is compliant with state requirements.  These resources can be used to:

  • Review and strengthen current tobacco-free school policy
  • Implement and enforce a tobacco-free school policy
  • Communicate tobacco-free school policy to staff, students, and the public
  • Promote free quit support for youth and adults
  • Incorporate evidence-based youth tobacco prevention education in the classroom
  • Utilize alternatives to suspension for students violating the tobacco-free school policy

Resources for Schools

Implement and Maintain Tobacco-free School Policy

Strengthen Current Policy

Communication Tools

Tobacco Prevention Toolkits, Curricula, Alternatives to Suspension, and Other Classroom Tools/Activities

Quit Support for Youth and Adults 

Youth (13-17yrs old)

Adults (18yrs and up)

**Message and data rates may apply/Se pueden aplicar tarifas por mensajes y datos

Fact Sheets and More Information

Tags

Addiction Colleges & Universities Pre-Teens Quit Smoking S.C. Tobacco Quitline Smoking Teens Tobacco Statewide