Title:
SCHOOL PRINCIPALS’ ATTITUDES TOWARD MANDATORY INDOOR RESTRICTION POLICIES DURING EPISODES OF EXTREME AIR POLLUTION: A CROSSSECTIONAL SURVEY

Authors:
Jose A. Martínez and Laura Martínez

Abstract:
This study assessed the attitudes of school principals toward a proposed regulatory upgrade that would replace existing recommendations—urging students to remain indoors during episodes of extreme atmospheric pollution—with a binding mandatory prohibition. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among the principals of all 518 public schools in a Mediterranean region of southeastern Spain that is particularly prone to recurrent Saharan dust intrusion events. Using an anonymous questionnaire, respondents rated their level of agreement with a mandatory indoor confinement measure on a 10-point Likert scale. Results indicated a generally positive overall attitude, with a mean score of 0.64 (95% CI: 0.57–0.71) on a rescaled [0,1] interval. However, the distribution of responses was markedly polarized, revealing clear divergences of opinion despite an overall majority in favor. These findings suggest that significant support exists among school administrators for transforming the current voluntary recommendation into a legally binding obligation. Such a normative shift would enhance equity in the protection of children’s health, reduce discretionary decision-making at the school level, and strengthen public policy responses to a recurring and preventable environmental health risk.

Keywords:
air pollution; schools; prevention; vulnerable population; environmental legislation; particulate matter; Saharan dust.

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37500/IJESSR.2026.9122

Date of Publication: 26-02-2026