Introduction

The historical and current practices surrounding smoking policies in high schools vary widely across different time periods and geographical locations. This article delves into the smoking policies in schools, examining how these have evolved over the years, particularly focusing on the conditions and practices during the 1970s and 1980s, and comparing them to the policies in place today. Special attention will be given to incidents and anecdotes shared by individuals who attended school during these periods.

Historical Context: 1970s and 1980s

School x in Inuvik NT (1972-1975)

The high school at Inuvik NT, now Samiel Hearne Secondary, had a very lenient policy on smoking, especially during the period from 1972 to 1975. There was no designated smoking area, and students could smoke on sidewalks or city grassy areas right outside the school property. A significant factor contributing to this lax policy was the minimal age restrictions and the social acceptance of smoking prevalent during that era. It was not uncommon for even adults, like the speaker's dentist, to smoke casually in public places.

Similar experiences were shared by the author, who attended a high school where it was illegal to smoke on any part of the school grounds. However, discretion was exercised as students could sneak off the premises to smoke in the nearby streets or gym clothes. The leniency in these policies was attributed to the cultural context and the relatively more relaxed approach towards smoking practices.

Smoking Policies and Practices

The effectiveness of these policies, however, was questionable. While the school had smoking areas in the past, students as young as high schoolers were allowed to sign permission slips for smoking, which raises ethical and health consciousness issues. Even with the presence of a peace officer, there was no enforcement concerning the sale or smoking of drugs by students, indicating a lack of robust protocols in place. The author remembers instances of students lighting cigarettes absentmindedly during lunch breaks, demonstrating how widespread the practice was despite prohibitions.

Modern Policies: Current Practices

Current High School Smoking Policies

Today, high school smoking policies have become much stricter, with comprehensive guidelines and enforcement mechanisms. Schools now typically prohibit smoking on school grounds and nearby areas, reflecting a broader societal shift towards health awareness and education. This change is evident in the stark contrast between past policies and current practices. For instance, in the majority of high schools now, smoking is not allowed within a certain distance from the school premises, and if allowed, it must occur in designated areas to minimize exposure.

Teachers, the only adults allowed to smoke in school, are required to do so in the teachers' lounge to protect students from secondhand smoke. This area often becomes a smoky haze, reflecting the high volume of smoking that occurs there. The shift towards stricter policies is attributed to the increasing awareness of the health risks associated with smoking and a greater emphasis on maintaining a healthy environment for all students.

Impact and Lessons Learned

The experiences shared above highlight the importance of evolving policies to reflect changing understandings of health and public safety. The lax smoking policies of the past, though shaped by societal norms, neglected the health and safety of students. Today's stricter policies are better equipped to protect and educate students about the risks of smoking and offer a healthier environment overall. Additionally, stricter enforcement and designated areas help in creating a more equitable and inclusive school culture where health-conscious behaviors are encouraged.

Conclusion

The evolution of smoking policies in high schools reflects broader societal changes and increased awareness of health risks. While past policies allowed more leniency, today's stricter guidelines aim to ensure a safer, healthier school environment for all students. As society continues to evolve, so too will the policies in place, striving to protect and educate future generations.