Research shows that most first time use of tobacco (primarily smoking) occurs before high school graduation. In addition, the younger students begin to smoke, the more likely they are to become adult smokers. Thus, if we can finds ways to keep students from smoking when they are adolescents, most will never start smoking.

From their own observations of smoking on campus and from talking to their peers, many IB students believe that Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools has not done enough to convince students not to smoke. Perceiving a huge gap between the problem and the actions taken by those in authority, they feel obligated to inform their peers about the dangers of tobacco, convince them not to start smoking, and help them quit if they are already smoking.

With the help of IB Coordinator Dr. Ron Thomas and IB Environmental Systems teacher Robert Corbin, a group of IB students began meeting last Spring to organize a smoking prevention and cessation program on campus. They enlisted the help of IB parents, oncologist Dr. Kashyap Patel, and staff from the American Cancer Society. During first quarter, the group sponsored many educational events that have been pivotal in capturing the attention of their peers and changing attitudes about the dangers of smoking.

The research literature indicates that tailoring interventions demonstrate promise for enhancing the appeal and efficacy of adolescent smoking cessation programs. Sensing that they needed a comprehensive plan tailored to Myers Park, a group of IB students met with staff at Duke University Fall, 2003, to discuss a study to investigate student knowledge of and attitude toward smoking at Myers Park. Dr. Isaac Lipkus of Duke University’s Comprehensive Cancer Center agreed to lead the study; he enlisted the help of Dr. Paul Bloom of UNC Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler Business School.

Dr. Lipkus wrote a tobacco use and attitude survey targeted at Myers Park students. Teachers administered the survey to students during their first semester science exams. Dr. Lipkus and Dr. Bloom were on campus January 22, 2004, to meet with students and parents concerning the research design and to gain feedback from students. The findings of the survey will serve as pilot data to support further research and a comprehensive smoking cessation program.