Smoking or Non? Soon College Campuses Will Have no Choice in the Matter

   By drodriguez  Jul 05, 2012
12

If state policy makers get what they want we may be adding college campuses to the list of places where cigarette smoking is banned very soon. The ban would not just take affect over the public buildings but also just in the open air surrounding the colleges.

A recent report from Time magazine discusses the move to ban tobacco use, sale and advertising on college campuses in a number of states across the nation. The state of California is already to put the ban in place starting in 2013.

The idea of nipping the habit in the bud is on the mind of many of those trying to reduce the number of cigarette smokers. It is after all within the college age group that we tend to see most people taking up the habit. The surgeon general reports that 90% of smokers begin between the ages of 18 and 25 and 99% have begun by age 26.

Though many see the impending bans as positive progress in the fight to reduce smoking, exposure to second hand smoke and even the possibility of dorm fires some students who smoke take offense with the restrictions they will soon face. Former Ohio State University student Ida Seitter opposes the ban of tobacco on college campuses stating, “Just back away from me a little bit. I won’t blow it in your face and I’ll try not to be rude. At the same time, I think it’s a little discriminatory for a practice that is considered legal.”

What do you think of the move to ban the use of tobacco on college campuses?

Do you think this may help to reduce the rate of young people picking up the habit?

 

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rach332011 by rach332011 | Moulton, AL
Aug 24, 2012

I think it is a wonderful idea! I quit smoking almost 2 years ago and I quickly realized how offending the smell really is and now it makes me sick to smell smoke!

mandajanie by mandajanie | GREENACRES, FL
Jul 17, 2012

I remembered walking around on campus and breathing in the smoke from the person in front of me. I hated it! On the other hand, I dislike the government taking away the rights of its people. If people want to poison themselves if they so desire.

LMC5209 by LMC5209 | Streetsboro, OH
Jul 13, 2012

I think it is a wonderful idea. Smoking is a disgusting habit and it affects anyone around the smoker, unlike other drugs. So it makes sense to ban it prob any public place. Plus, I think it might help discourage people from smoking.

star_linds by star_linds | HAGERSTOWN, MD
Jul 13, 2012

My college campus is instilling a smoking ban at the beginning of next year. I'm looking forward to it, but wonder how they will enforce the rule/law.

marymiles123 by marymiles123 | Battlefield, MO
Jul 11, 2012

The town I live in just banned smoking in all public places and now the biggest college in town is following suit. The few inconsiderate smokers have ruined it for the smokers that take others clean air in to consideration. I personally do not smoke and I am glad that I can eat in restaurants without having to inhale smoke. And, I am now glad I can visit the college for events and games and not have to inhale poisonous fumes.

plogan721 by plogan721 | Columbus, OH
Jul 10, 2012

I am allergic to the stuff and I do not like the smell. It hangs on your clothes and it is a health hazard. to ban smoke altogether would be great to me.

msfriendly by msfriendly | MONROE, WI
Jul 09, 2012

Great idea. Hate the smell of smoke and it's such a health hazard to all that it should be banned.

cocoabella by cocoabella | EL PASO, TX
Jul 08, 2012

will help increase sales for ecigs ! The safe way to satisfy that oral fixation! no second hand smoke, no stinky smell. I quit smoking 6 mos ago thanks to the ecig and now can vape in all sorts of yumym flavors, butterscotch bounty, gorilla vanilla. No carinogens and I can still get that feel like I am smoking without inahling smoke into my lungs. And there is no lighting up so you won't have the chance of fire. Seems to me you should see them endorsing ecigs all over the place!

MadHatter by MadHatter | Whitestone , NY
Jul 07, 2012

I think its a fantastic idea. I hate walking on campus to have someone blowing smoke in the air and me getting the back draft each time. Not only is it damaging to my health, but to the environment as well since these students or faculty flick their buds all over campus and it just makes the campus look like a big garbage dump.

thebeverlyhillsmom by thebeverlyhillsmom | BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Jul 06, 2012

I would hope it cuts down the number of smokers its a nasty gross habit. Some states already have this type of rule and I have always been a supporter.

rosiern by rosiern | Roselle, IL
Jul 05, 2012

I think it's a good idea to ban advertisements from campuses, but not smoking. The less people are exposed to a product being glamorized, the fewer will start using it. I also think it's a good idea to have designated smoking areas on campus. These options would help in reducing the number of smokers, and at the very least, reduce the amount of smoking. I have to wonder who, if anyone, will be responsible for enforcing the restricted or no-smoking policy.

leendsymom1521 by leendsymom1521 | spartanburg, SC
Jul 05, 2012

I hate smoke from cigarettes. I just cant stand the smell and it makes me snizz alot.