Smoking areas on school grounds: are we encouraging teenagers to smoke?

J Adolesc Health Care. 1984 Apr;5(2):117-9. doi: 10.1016/s0197-0070(84)80010-8.

Abstract

In the United States, smoking has been identified as a major health hazard for the past 20 years. This study attempts to determine the relationship between the availability of a smoking area on school grounds, the incidence of smoking among teenagers, and the number of cigarettes smoked per day by teenagers. A questionnaire was administered to the target population and a matched control group at two suburban high schools, similar in size and socioeconomic status. One of the two schools provided a smoking area for students. The findings suggest a possible relationship between providing a smoking area for students and an increase in the number of teenage smokers. The findings also indicate a possible decrease in teenage, male smokers. Our findings should prompt health professionals, educators, and parents to ask, "Are we encouraging our teenagers to smoke?"

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior*
  • Age Factors
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Schools / standards*
  • Smoking Prevention*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires