In the United States, the rate of youth tobacco use has remained high mainly due to the increasing use of e-cigarettes and nicotine vaping among teenagers. Schools play a crucial role in reducing and preventing youth tobacco use and promoting public health policy. Thus, this study aims to assess the effectiveness of school-based e-cigarette control policies regarding youth e-cigarette use. The research analyzed three years of school and student data from 69 secondary schools in Ontario, Canada, to evaluate the impact of the policies. The survey collected data from students to determine if there were any significant variations in schools that implemented e-cigarette control policies compared to those that did not. The study indicated that there was a lower chance of students using e-cigarettes in schools that had implemented e-cigarette control policies. Therefore, the results suggest that the implementation of school-level policies prohibiting the use of e-cigarettes on school property can help decrease or prevent e-cigarette use.

E-cigarettes were developed in China in 2003 and hit the United States market in 2007. E-cigarette use is linked to combustible cigarette use. Youth cigarette smokers are more likely to use e-cigarettes compared to nonsmokers, and those who use e-cigarettes are more likely to start smoking combustible cigarettes. Initially, e-cigarettes were marketed as a safe alternative to smoking, but due to the lack of long-term health studies, regulatory measures and public policy interventions are necessary. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finalized a rule in 2016 that extended its regulatory authority over all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. It regulates the production, import, packaging, labeling, advertising, promotion, sale, and distribution of all electronic nicotine delivery systems. Regardless of socioeconomic status, most youth spend an average of 35 hours each week in school each year and are vital in shaping youth public health policies. While most schools ban the use of combustible tobacco, banning the use of e-cigarettes on school property is relatively recent. The 1998 Master Settlement Agreement transformed tobacco control by restricting youth access to tobacco. School policies that ban the use of e-cigarettes on school property could have a similar impact on vaping product use in teenagers.

The COMPASS Study's primary objective is to guide and improve youth prevention research and practice continually. The survey was conducted over three waves and collected data from grades 9-12 students in 69 secondary schools. The school and students' data were gathered on their social behavior, such as marijuana use, eating habits, tobacco use, and physical activity. The survey's primary outcome was e-cigarette use, and the surveys related to youth e-cigarette use did not get introduced until year two. Between year two and year three, the COMPASS School Programs and Policies Questionnaire (SPP) were used to evaluate e-cigarette policies within the schools. The SPP is done by the school administrators who have the most knowledge of the policy or program. The survey is paper-based and assesses applicable programs and policies, tracks any changes made to school policies, practices, or resources relating to student health. Any current e-cigarette use is considered using in the last 30 days. During the SPP completion, administrators were to report changes to tobacco policies within their schools since the previous year. In year three and four, program and policy changes were identified using the SPP. The e-cigarette policy implemented in all the schools was a ban on using e-cigarettes on school property. The policy prohibited using e-cigarettes on school property or private vehicle within a specific distance from the school, and at school-sponsored events off school grounds.

To sum up, the implementation of e-cigarette control policies in schools is an effective way to reduce and prevent e-cigarette use among students. Schools play a critical role in shaping youth public health policies by promoting the implementation of anti-tobacco use measures. Banning the use of e-cigarettes on school property, as seen in this study, is a promising approach to reducing the use of vaping products in teenagers.

In this study, we explored the effects of school e-cigarette policies on the usage of e-cigarettes among the youth. The research data was sourced from 69 secondary schools over a three-year period. Findings revealed that policies banning the use of e-cigarettes on school property might have a positive influence on the usage of e-cigarettes among students. Nonetheless, limitations exist in the study. For instance, we did not include grade 12 students from Year 1, necessitating the inclusion of grades 7-10 in subsequent studies. Further, students' self-reporting of e-cigarette use could lead to underreporting and limited information like quantity, frequency of use, types of e-cigarettes used, and reasons for usage. Nonetheless, we suggest that comprehensive information could lead to developing effective policies and programs for schools, particularly when implementing new initiatives.

E-cigarette use remains prevalent among the youth in the US. Based on research, school policies and programs play a significant role in shaping students' attitudes and behaviors toward e-cigarette use. The current study suggests that implementing school policies that prohibit the use of e-cigarettes on school premises may significantly reduce or prevent the usage of e-cigarettes.

The sources used in this study include the following:

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Tobacco Products: Products, Guidance & Regulations: Products, Ingredients & Components. Vaporizers, E-cigarettes, and other Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS). http://www.fda.gov/TobaccoProducts/Labeling/ProductsIngredientsComponents/ucm456610.htm. Published 2016.

2. Truth Initiative. Master Settlement Agreement. https://truthinitiative.org/who-we-are/our-history/master-settlement-agreement.

3. University of Waterloo. About the COMPASS System. https://uwaterloo.ca/compass-system/.

4. University of Waterloo. About the COMPASS System. https://uwaterloo.ca/compass-system/.

5. Tobacco Induced Diseases.