Submitted to The Argo by Arti Kapoor

As members of the Stockton community, we are deeply connected to the natural beauty of our Pinelands Reserve. We take pride in preserving the environment and promoting a healthy campus culture; yet, despite our best efforts, cigarette butts, vapes, and oral tobacco products continue to pollute our surroundings and harm the health of students, staff, and visitors. With nearly 1 in 4 students using nicotine products, it’s clear that a change is long overdue. It’s time for Stockton
University to implement a comprehensive tobacco-free and smoke-free policy—one that will protect our health, our campus, and our future.

The Wellness Center, in partnership with smoke-free ambassadors and supported by grants from the Truth Initiative and NJCUITS, proposes a smoke-free campus. This will ensure fresh-air and a pollution-free space for students and staff.

The Rising Threat: Not Just Cigarettes Anymore

While cigarette butts remain the most littered item in the world, the dangers of smoking have expanded beyond traditional tobacco products. Vaping and oral tobacco products like Zyns are becoming increasingly popular among students, many of whom are unaware of the serious health risks involved. A smoke-free policy is needed to address the growing prevalence of these products and ensure that all students can enjoy a healthier, cleaner campus environment.

Health and Well-Being: Protecting the Mind and Body

The effects of nicotine use go beyond physical damage. While smoking and vaping are commonly known for causing lung disease, heart disease, and respiratory issues, these products also have serious consequences for mental health. Nicotine use is linked to increased anxiety, stress, and sleep disturbances, which can impair academic performance and overall well-being.
In fact, students who use these products are more likely to experience anxiety and depression, and their academic success can suffer as a result.

Stockton’s proposed smoke-free policy aims to support students in quitting these harmful habits and provide resources for those seeking help. With counseling services, health services, and programs like NJ Quit, we can offer a comprehensive support system that encourages healthier choices, reduces addiction, and promotes mental clarity.

A Responsibility to Our Community

As adults, we have the right to make choices, but with that freedom comes a responsibility to the community around us. A tobacco-free policy at Stockton would not only protect non-smokers from secondhand smoke but also provide crucial support for students who wish to quit.

Student Voices: Why It Matters

Here’s what some students have shared about their experiences with smoking and vaping: “Every time I walk by the gazebos, I feel compelled to smoke because it reminds me of socializing with friends.” “I love smoking, but I can’t afford my addiction. I wish smoking wasn’t considered cool.” “I started smoking with friends for fun, not realizing it would harm my mental health and academics.” “I’m ashamed of my smoking habit and make excuses every day to quit.” “Smoking temporarily relieves my stress, but it gives me prolonged anxiety. I don’t know how to stop.”

These anonymous perspectives highlight the struggle many students face with nicotine addiction, as well as the pressure to fit in socially. A smoke-free policy would provide a healthier environment for everyone, free from the temptation and harm of tobacco and nicotine products.

Why Should We Care?

As adults, we have the freedom to make choices, but we also have a responsibility to our environment. As part of the Pinelands Reserve, we must prevent potential forest fires caused by cigarette litter. Additionally, this policy will provide positive reinforcement for students struggling with addiction, encouraging them to utilize university resources to quit.

Is Smoking Worth It? Sign the Smoke-Free/Tobacco-Free Policy Petition Today!

If you think it’s time for a change, take action. A tobacco-free campus at Stockton would improve our health, protect the campus’s beauty, and provide a better space for learning. Support a smoke-free future by signing our petition today. Together, we can create a fresher campus for brighter futures.