Guidelines for Educational Institutions
In a significant move to safeguard the health and well-being of students, the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the National Tobacco Control Programme, has rolled out the revised Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) Guidelines. These guidelines are designed to prevent the use of tobacco among adolescents and create a safe, tobacco-free environment within schools and colleges across the country. With alarming statistics revealing that tobacco use often begins during adolescence, this initiative aims to curb the early onset of addiction and promote healthier futures for our youth.
Why is this important?
Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable deaths worldwide. In India alone, over 13.5 lakh people die every year from tobacco-related illnesses. Disturbingly, studies show that most adult tobacco users started using tobacco in their teenage years. The Global Youth Tobacco Survey (2019) highlighted that 8.5% of students aged 13-15 use tobacco, with 5,500 children starting the habit daily. Educational institutions play a pivotal role in preventing this dangerous trend by enforcing strict regulations on tobacco sales and use within and around their campuses.
The Role of Stakeholders
For the success of the Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) campaign, the active participation of all stakeholders is crucial. Below are some key Dos and Don’ts for students, teachers, parents, and educational administrators.
For Students
Do:
- Take an active role in understanding the harmful effects of tobacco. Participate in awareness campaigns, poster-making contests, and debates that promote a tobacco-free environment.
- Report any instances of tobacco use on the school premises to the designated Tobacco Monitor.
- Support classmates who are trying to quit smoking or using tobacco, offering encouragement and sharing information on quitting resources.
- Engage with student-led anti-tobacco initiatives, becoming peer educators or advocates within your school.
- Participate in regular self-checks or class discussions about how to avoid peer pressure and resist the temptation to try tobacco.
Don’t:
- Use any form of tobacco, including cigarettes, vapes, or smokeless tobacco like gutkha or khaini, regardless of peer pressure or social situations.
- Fall prey to misleading advertisements or media that glamorize tobacco use. Educate yourself and others on the real health impacts.
- Bring any tobacco-related items to school, even as a joke or for non-smoking purposes (e.g., cigarette-shaped candy).
- Skip anti-tobacco school events; attending these is a way to build awareness and learn how to support a tobacco-free lifestyle.
For Parents
Do:
- Be vigilant about your child’s environment, ensuring they are not exposed to tobacco at home, during social activities, or through media influences.
- Engage in open, non-judgmental discussions with your children about the dangers of tobacco use and why they should avoid it.
- Encourage healthy lifestyle choices, such as sports or hobbies, that will keep children occupied and reduce the likelihood of them turning to tobacco.
- Stay informed about the school’s anti-tobacco programs and support school-led initiatives by attending meetings or volunteering.
- Set a good example by refraining from tobacco use yourself and, if applicable, seeking help to quit.
Don’t:
- Ignore signs of tobacco use in your child’s behavior. Watch out for tell-tale signs such as the smell of smoke, possession of tobacco products, or secretive behavior.
- Underestimate the influence of peer pressure on your children. Stay engaged with their social circle and talk openly about resisting negative influences.
- Allow relatives or family friends to smoke around your children. Second-hand smoke is harmful, and witnessing smoking may increase curiosity or acceptance of tobacco use.
- Hesitate to reach out for professional help if your child shows signs of tobacco addiction. School counselors or healthcare providers can offer guidance.
For Teachers and School Administrators
Do:
- Ensure compliance with ToFEI Guidelines by regularly inspecting the school premises for any signs of tobacco use, including spitting or cigarette butts.
- Conduct regular educational workshops for students about the dangers of tobacco, using real-life examples or case studies to bring the message home.
- Display “Tobacco-Free Campus” signs prominently and make sure no tobacco products are sold within 100 yards of the institution, as mandated by law.
- Nominate dedicated Tobacco Monitors among staff and students who will help enforce anti-tobacco policies and keep the school tobacco-free.
- Integrate tobacco prevention education into the school’s curriculum, incorporating it into subjects like biology, health science, and social studies.
- Involve local healthcare professionals in organizing awareness sessions or health camps for students, providing them with opportunities to learn more about quitting services.
- Create a supportive environment for both staff and students who are trying to quit tobacco, providing access to resources such as quitlines, and counselling services through National Toll-Free Drug De-addiction Helpline Number 1800110031.
Don’t:
- Tolerate any form of tobacco use on school grounds. This applies to students, staff, and visitors alike. Any violations should be addressed promptly, with clear consequences.
- Allow advertising of tobacco products or sponsorships by tobacco companies at any school event. Keep the campus and all associated media (newsletters, social media) free of tobacco promotion.
- Turn a blind eye to tobacco use among students, no matter how “casual” it seems. Early intervention is key to preventing long-term addiction.
- Forget to involve parents in the school’s anti-tobacco efforts. Keep them informed through newsletters, meetings, and workshops on how they can support a tobacco-free home and community.
For the Community and Local Authorities
Do:
- Support schools by enforcing regulations that prohibit the sale of tobacco within 100 yards of any educational institution.
- Encourage local businesses to stop selling tobacco products near schools and involve community leaders in spreading awareness.
- Engage with local law enforcement to ensure compliance with tobacco control laws in areas frequented by students, such as parks or bus stops.
- Collaborate with schools to organize community-wide anti-tobacco events, raising awareness on key dates such as World No Tobacco Day.
Don’t:
- Ignore violations of tobacco laws in the community, especially in areas where students gather. Report these to the local authorities or school administrators.
- Support businesses that sell tobacco to minors or violate the laws by operating near schools. Encourage your community to take a stand against such practices.
Creating a Healthier Future
The ToFEI Guidelines emphasize creating a healthy environment for students, free from the harms of tobacco. Schools are encouraged to organize awareness activities, such as anti-tobacco assemblies, pledge drives, and student competitions. By involving law enforcement and local health authorities, schools can strengthen their anti-tobacco stance.
Together, as educators, parents, students, and community members, we can work toward a future where our youth are protected from the harmful effects of tobacco. The implementation of the Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions initiative is not just a regulatory measure but a commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of our future generations.
Credits: PIB India
