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

By drodriguez Jul 05, 2012

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?