Tobacco Policies at Colleges and Universities Housing PreK – 12 Laboratory Schools: An Exploratory Study

Objective. This study examined the current status of tobacco-/smoke-free campus policies at PreK - 12 laboratory schools and their affiliated colleges/universities. Perceived barriers to passage of tobacco-/smoke-free policies and aspects of the school environment perceived to aid in passage of such polices were also examined. Methods. Data were collected through electronic surveys to administrators of 61 U.S. International Association of Laboratory School members and their affiliated colleges/universities. Information on state tobacco policies was obtained from the National Association of State Board of Education’s State School Healthy Policy Database on tobacco use. Results. Inconsistencies between college/university tobacco-/smoke-free policies and state board of education guidelines existed. Faculty/staff issues, social issues, and internal policy implementation challenges emerged as the top categories of barriers. Laws and policies, support from key stakeholders, and communication strategies were the strongest aids. Conclusions. There is not a consistent standard of protection offered for PreK - 12 students across the country. Colleges/universities housing laboratory schools may be placing their PreK - 12 students at greater risk of exposure to pro-tobacco influences and secondhand smoke if they are not governed by comprehensive tobacco policies