Illegal sales of tobacco products are common. Maintaining higher real prices of cigarettes depends on further tax increases to offset the effects of inflation. Public smoking restrictions are an important component of the social environment that supports non-smoking behavior. Smoking restrictions reduce the number of opportunities to smoke, making smoking less convenient and less socially acceptable. The net effects of smoking restrictions should reduce the psychosocial benefits of smoking to adolescents, making it less likely that those who experiment with smoking will continue to smoke and become dependent.
Schools enforce the policy and consistently administer penalties for violations.
Disciplinary measures for non-compliance with policy are educational as well as punitive. Policy development includes active collaboration with teachers, students, and parent groups to give direction and build support for tobacco-free schools. All components of a school's smoking policy, including consequences for violations, are communicated in written and oral form to students, staff, and visitors. District-wide educational programs addressing the prevention of tobacco use are initiated or expanded as part of the policy implementation process. Smoking cessation programs or other incentives are developed for students, school personnel, and, if possible, the public.