Temple, Hulbert and Oktaha School Boards Strengthen Tobacco-Free Policies
Three Oklahoma school districts — Temple, Hulbert and Oktaha — approved updates to their tobacco-free policies in September, strengthening protections for students, staff and visitors and supporting tobacco-free school environments 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
In each district, the updated policy establishes comprehensive tobacco-free expectations across school settings and supports consistent communication, implementation and enforcement.
Students participating in 24/7 Tobacco-Free Schools recommended the updates based on a comprehensive model policy and best practices for creating a tobacco-free school environment.
24/7 Tobacco-Free Schools is funded by the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) through the Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL) program.
Oklahoma law requires public school campuses to be tobacco-free 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, implementation and enforcement can vary across schools and districts, and gaps in awareness and communication can limit the effectiveness of tobacco-free policies.
Tobacco use, particularly vaping, remains a concern among youth, with e-cigarettes the most commonly used tobacco product among young people. Nearly 90% of adults who smoke began using tobacco before age 18, underscoring the importance of preventing youth tobacco use and creating environments that support healthy choices.
Comprehensive tobacco-free school policies can help establish clear expectations for students, staff and visitors. When policies are clearly communicated and consistently enforced, they can help prevent youth tobacco use and support healthier school environments.
“School should be a place where youth can breathe, dream and grow freely without barriers. I believe our board passing this policy and ensuring our school is tobacco free 24/7 is a major step toward protecting not only the air around us, but the futures we as students are working so hard to build,” said Destiny Collins, a senior student at Temple.
“Our highest priority at Hulbert Public Schools is ensuring a safe, supportive and healthy environment where every student can thrive. Updating our 24/7 tobacco-free policy ensures that our messaging is consistent, protecting our youth from the dangers of secondhand smoke, reducing exposure to e-cigarettes and vapes and modeling healthy behaviors for the entire community,” said Hulbert Superintendent Jolyn Choate.
“Students deserve to learn in an environment where they are protected from the dangers of tobacco 24/7,” said Olivia Shackelford, a senior student at Oktaha.
24/7 Tobacco-Free Schools works with Oklahoma schools and districts to strengthen comprehensive tobacco-free policies and support consistent implementation through practical tools and resources including signage, communication materials, staff training and cessation resources.
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24/7 Tobacco-Free Schools is an initiative working to support healthier school environments across Oklahoma by helping schools strengthen and implement comprehensive tobacco-free policies. It is funded by the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET). For more information, visit 247Oklahoma.com.
Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL), a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), is a statewide youth-led initiative that partners with schools and organizations to make a meaningful and measurable impact on Oklahoma by promoting healthy behaviors. For more information, visit yahlok.org.
The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) is building a healthier future for all Oklahomans. As a state grantmaking entity, TSET supports community programs, public health initiatives and research to prevent the leading causes of chronic disease. TSET grants and partnerships help to reduce tobacco use, improve nutrition, advance medicine and increase access to active, healthy living. Created by voters and funded by the Master Settlement Agreement, TSET is creating lasting change in schools, workplaces and communities across the state. Learn more at Oklahoma.gov/TSET.
TSET – Better Lives Through Better Health