Smokeless tobacco is a major problem in our school. At most schools, students frequently see other students using tobacco or they smell or see the remnants of tobacco. The same is true here at John I. Burton. Nearly everyday I see tobacco spit in the bathroom floors, on the stairs, or in the water fountains. Our school now has signs to remind everyone that we are a tobacco free area. Signs have also been placed at the football stadium to notify the public of this policy as well. Tobacco is not supposed to be used in the football stadium or in the gym during athletic events.
In my opinion, our new tobacco free signs have done little to deter tobacco use by students, as there does not seem to be anyone to enforce this policy. If there was somebody to enforce these rules, our school would be much better place. How can we stop this problem? I believe having a resource officer's presence in bathrooms and in hallways would cut back on the use of tobacco by John I. Burton students.
On the other hand, the administration feels that our new tobacco free policy has been successful during sporting events. Before each game, fans are given little cards, discussing the disadvantages of using tobacco. During the game announcements are being made every quarter reminding fans that tobacco products are not to be used in the stadium. Coach Helton said, "I believed that everything is working." However, if you do see anyone smoking in the stadium, you should tell a school administrator.
We need to stand up to tobacco and not let it destroy our school. We need to keep our school clean and safe. If you want to take a stand against tobacco in our school, contact a responsible adult in our school.