Tobacco Social Norms Project

Peer groups are one of the strongest influences of behavior but youth often have incorrect perceptions of how peers think and act. Social norms campaigns are designed with input from youth to promote correct information about tobacco use among youth.

Even though Kentucky has one of the highest youth tobacco use rates, it’s important to know that the majority of youth do not smoke.

Three local high schools are a part of the social norms project, that strives to promote the accurate information about tobacco use.  

In 2009, students at the three schools participated in the Survey of Student Norms. The data from the survey show that in Northern Kentucky the majority of youth do not use tobacco. Two of the participating schools are highlighted below.

Dixie Heights High School, Kenton County

The Survey of Student Norms was administered to the student body at Dixie Heights High School the fall of 2009.  There were 1,076 valid surveys.

• 71 percent of students said they never use tobacco

• 77 percent of students reported that they had not used tobacco in the last 30 days

• 77 percent of female students said they never use tobacco

• 67 percent of upper classmen said they have never used tobacco

• 74 percent of athletes said they don’t use tobacco

• 71 percent of students said tobacco use is never a good thing to do

School Campaign: RU Cool?

The social norms team at Dixie Heights developed the RU Cool campaign. It is a series of posters, giveaway items and school events all of which promote that the majority of students don’t use tobacco. The students presented at freshman orientation to kick off the year, held spirit week and exam exemption activities, and will take their messages to a local middle school in May.

Text messaging: To sign up for text messages from the RU Cool Campaign text “DIXIE” to 30644. User will receive about two text messages a week for 12 weeks.  Message and data rates apply. Refer to your wireless plan for rates. Text STOP to unsubscribe at any time. Users must be 18 years or older or have permission from a parent or guardian to participate.

Grant County High School, Grant County

The Survey of Student Norms was administered to the student body at Grant County High School the fall of 2009. There were 871 valid surveys.

• 65 percent of students said they never use tobacco

• 71 percent of students reported that they had not used tobacco in the last 30 days

• 70 percent of female students said that they never use tobacco

• 61 percent of upper classmen said they have never used tobacco

• 70 percent of athletes said they don’t use tobacco

• 63 percent of students said tobacco use is never a good thing to do

School Campaign: Majority Rules

The social norms team at Grant County High School developed the Majority Rules campaign. It is a series of posters and giveaway items promoting the message that the majority of students don’t use tobacco. 

To sign up for text messages from the Majority Rules campaign text “MAJORITY” to 30644. User will receive about two text messages a week for 12 weeks. Message and data rates apply. Refer to your wireless plan for rates. Text STOP to unsubscribe at any time.  Users must be 18 years or older or have permission from a parent or guardian to participate.