As members of Tobacco Free Osceola, we have long advocated for healthier environments for our children. In August 2022, the Osceola County School Board took a vital step by adopting Policy 2.90 “Tobacco-Free and Smoking-Free Environment” to prioritize student health. This unanimous decision reflects a strong commitment to protecting our youth from the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine products. These changes address national concerns and highlight the efforts of organizations like ours, dedicated to supporting student well-being.

According to the 2023 Florida Youth Tobacco Survey, while the rise in youth e-cigarette use has slowed, 12.5% of Florida high school students still report using e-cigarettes. The U.S. Surgeon General and the FDA have declared youth e-cigarette use a national epidemic. Brands like Puff Bar and HQD continue to entice children with flavors such as “Blue Razz” and “bubblegum,” illustrating that this battle is far from over. The school board’s adoption of “Tobacco-Free and Smoking-Free Environment” policy is a crucial step in protecting students.

The Osceola County School District deserves recognition for its ongoing efforts to protect student health. This policy prohibits tobacco use on school grounds, bans the acceptance of tobacco industry gifts, mandates the communication and dissemination of the policy, requires policy evaluation, and ensures that cessation access. However, an essential element is missing regarding student enforcement: eliminating punitive measures, such as suspensions, in favor of more supportive interventions.

Vaping remains a significant issue in our schools. While strict enforcement is necessary, research shows that suspensions do not address the root causes of the problem. Instead, they may push students further into risky behaviors. A supportive approach focused on education, resources and cessation programs can help students understand the risks of vaping and provide real solutions, such as tools to quit if they are already using tobacco products.

The goal should not be to push students out of school but to help them make healthier choices. Punitive actions can lead to further disconnection from school and future academic or behavioral challenges, while supportive measures encourage understanding and cessation, leading to lasting changes in behavior and long-term health outcomes. If we want our students to “reach their highest potential,” we must prioritize support over punishment.

Osceola County has already established tobacco prevention education courses for vaping infractions, indicating we are headed in the right direction. Now, let’s go further. Rather than suspending students for vaping infractions, we should double down on these educational efforts and add targeted support that helps students break free from nicotine addiction.

As members of this community, we can play a vital role. By advocating for education and cessation support instead of punitive measures, we can shape policy enforcement to guide our students toward healthier, tobacco-free lives. Let’s collaborate with the Osceola County School Board to build an environment where enforcement is rooted in support rather than exclusion. While the current policies are commendable, the next step is to create a system that holds students accountable while providing them with the tools to make healthier choices, ensuring a lasting impact on the future health and success of Osceola’s youth.

Nia Hayes and Allyssa Williams, both Osceola High School graduates, are the chair and vice chair of Tobacco Free Osceola Partnership.