Ifs, maybes and butts: factors influencing staff enforcement of smoking restrictions

Gordon, J. and Turner, K. (2003) Ifs, maybes and butts: factors influencing staff enforcement of smoking restrictions. Health Education Research, 18(3), pp. 329-340. (doi: 10.1093/her/cyf021)

Abstract

Levels of pupil smoking are reported to be associated with the extent to which school staff consistently enforce smoking restrictions. Little is known, however, about factors which might motivate or discourage staff from doing so. Following analysis of interviews conducted with 27 members of school personnel purposively selected from two Scottish secondary schools serving relatively deprived communities, this paper identifies various issues that hinder staff intervention when confronted with pupil smoking. Both schools had no-smoking policies. In each, staff assumed or understood that smoking within the buildings was forbidden, yet were unsure about how far the bans extended. While the risk of fire in the school buildings prompted staff to intervene when smoking was witnessed indoors, where this risk was absent, decisions were largely context dependent or motivated by personal and professional values. Concerns about staff–pupil relationships, attention to pupils’ wider welfare, lack of authority and staff levels of discomfort were salient issues inhibiting intervention. Implications for smoking policies and their enforcement are discussed. The concept of the Health Promoting School is considered in the light of the findings and inherent tensions highlighted.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: UNSPECIFIED
• Authors: Gordon, J., and Turner, K.
• Subjects: H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare; R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine; L Education > LC Special aspects of education
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Centre for Population and Health Sciences
• Journal Name: Health Education Research
• ISSN: 0268-1153