Recent years have seen an increase in the number of state and local jurisdictions imposing sanctions against youth who use and/or possess tobacco. A MMWR report stated that 42 states currently have a law in place prohibiting minors from purchasing, possessing, or using tobacco products, a 24% increase in the three years since the previous report. Such ordinances have drawn both praise and criticism from various interested parties.
This study was initiated in order to evaluate the efficacy of local ordinances in New Jersey that make it illegal for minors to possess and/or use tobacco. More specifically, this study evaluated whether these ordinances are an effective method for reducing youth consumption of tobacco.
The study utilized a two-stage methodological design. First, ordinances were collected and reviewed from 33 municipalities in New Jersey that have a local ordinance making it illegal for minors to possess or use tobacco products. Content analysis was performed on each of these ordinances. Next a total of 46 key informants, representing 30 municipalities with ordinances, were interviewed.
The results of this study indicate that minor use and/or possession ordinances do little to reduce tobacco consumption by youth in New Jersey. The results suggest that more should be done, along the lines of a comprehensive program, to increase the liability of adults before youth focused ordinances are implemented. More importantly, youth-focused ordinances should not even be considered until there is data that shows that they have beneficial effects.
Learning Objectives: Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, the participant will be able to describe the issues regarding minor use/possession ordinances. Participants will also be able to discuss the relationship between these ordinances and tobacco consumption by youth in New Jersey.
Keywords: Youth, Policy/Policy Development
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Funding for this project was provided by a grant from the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services