Why staff at European schools abstain from enforcing smoke-free policies on persistent violators.

ABSTRACT: Secondary schools in European countries increasingly implement comprehensive smoke-free school policies (SFSPs) that prohibit most or even all adolescents from smoking during school hours. Consistent enforcement of SFSPs is essential for realizing optimum effectiveness. A main challenge represents adolescents who persistently violate the rules. We studied how staff in European countries respond to these persistent violators and why they may turn a blind eye. We used interview transcripts from 69 staff members at 22 schools in 6 European countries to identify cases in which staff turned a blind eye. We then applied thematic analysis for identifying the considerations as to why they turn a blind eye. Turning a blind eye on persistent violators happened among school staff in all six countries

SUBMITTER: Schreuders M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7585527 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature