P256 School gates – tobacco and smoke free zones

Background Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in Ireland. 5,200 smokers die every year. 8% of Irish 10 –17-year olds smoke. Tobacco Free Ireland has set a target of Aim The aim of this project was to examine the evidence to support smoke free schools and, explore ways of promoting a smoke free environment both within and outside the school gate parameter. Results Smoke free policies help to educate the community about environmental tobacco smoke. Smoking has effects on the pregnant mother and the unborn child. Cigarette smoke trigger asthma, glue ear and chest infections. Liquid nicotine containers are appealing to children and may be lethal if ingested. Smoking is more prevalent in schools without anti-smoking policies. Enforcement of school tobacco policies is associated with fewer observations of tobacco use by minors on school grounds as well as lower rates of current smoking among students. Properly implemented school programs to prevent tobacco use and addiction can lower smoking prevalence by up to 60%. School-based tobacco use prevention programs are largely effective for most tobacco use related outcomes. Comprehensive tobacco-free policies are effective in reducing exposure and intention to smoke on campus. Non-college educated young adults smoke at twice the rate of college-educated adults. Evaluation National campaigns relating to smoking cessation both nationally and internationally were reviewed. ‘A Health Promoting School can be characterised as a school which is constantly strengthening it’s capacity as a healthy place in which to live, learn and work.’ Conclusion Introduction of tobacco free policies in all educational buildings and at school gate parameters will create a completely smoke-free environment for children. Outcomes The local health promotion department supported the implementation of smoke-free schools gates. Links were made with the Tobacco Free Ireland programme. https://hse.ie/eng/about/Who/TobaccoControl. The first Smoke Free School Gates in the Republic of Ireland was launched in April 2018 in Ballina, Co. Mayo. The local Foroige youth group in conjunction with X-Hale created a documentary about the local school. Outcomes were evaluated since tobacco and smoke free school gates was implemented https://youtu.be/jINcfxdoKeI.