SMOKING AND VAPING POLICY
Policy Statement
Rutherglen High School will, as far as practicable, provide a safe work environment for the health, safety and welfare of our students, staff, volunteers and visitors.
On 1 July 2009 the Minister for Education exercised the power under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 to prohibit smoking in all government schools.
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to support public health objectives and ensure there is no smoking or use of e-cigarettes (commonly known as ‘vaping’) on school premises (buildings and grounds), within 4 metres of school entrances or at school sanctioned events held off-premises.
Department Policy
A person must not smoke cigarettes including e-cigarettes (regardless of whether they contain nicotine) within school premises and within 4 metres of any pedestrian access to school premises. Smoking in these places is a fineable offence.
Schools must display ‘No Smoking’ signs and enforce the ban to prohibit smoking and vaping on school premises (including buildings and grounds) and within 4 metres of school entrances. Schools must display the signs in such a prominent position at each entrance to make it clear that the area at or within 4 metres of that entrance is a ‘no smoking’ area.
Applying the Ban
The smoking/Vaping ban applies to:
- anyone present on school premises during and after school hours including students, teachers, contractors, parents/guardians or the wider community, such as sporting groups.
- all activities that take place on school premises and school related activities (e.g. Debutante Balls, athletics carnivals, excursions).
- Where the school has responsibility for the student including school events and excursions held off school premises.
Definitions
Smoking – The Minister’s determination to ban smoking defines “smoking” to mean “inhaling smoke from a cigarette, lighting a cigarette, or inhaling any other substance that results in exhaling smoke”.
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) – defined as electronic devices which heat and vaporise liquids that may or may not contain nicotine or flavouring agents. The vapour is inhaled, simulating the act of smoking. Use of e-cigarettes is commonly referred to as ‘vaping’.
Student Sanctions
Sanctions apply to students who are caught smoking/vaping or determined to be smoking/vaping because they were in a location or situation:‐
- where other students were smoking/vaping
- or where there is clear evidence of recent smoking/vaping by students
- or that has been declared out of bounds because it has been frequented by smokers
It is expected that senior students are well aware of the rules and their transgression will be treated seriously in the first instance. At all year levels no warnings will be given and an appropriate suspension (internal/external) will occur at the first offence. Students will be referred to quit smoking materials and support will be provided.
Cigarettes and eCigarettes will be confiscated by staff and can be collected by a parent/guardian (upon request), thrown in the bin or given to the Police.
When it is obvious that a student has been exposed to a high level of cigarette smoke that has permeated their clothing such that it impinges on the comfort of others, they will be referred to their Year Level Coordinator or Counsellor for appropriate guidance.
Staff, Volunteers and Visitor Sanctions
Staff, volunteers, and visitors who breach this policy may result in disciplinary action and/or receive applicable fines.
Links and Resources
Smoking and Vaping Ban: Policy | education.vic.gov.au –for School, Parent & Student resources
https://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/in-force/acts/education-and-training-reform-act-2006
https://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/in-force/acts/tobacco-act-1987
https://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/in-force/acts/drugs-poisons-and-controlled-substances-act-1981
REVIEW AND APPROVAL
| Plan last reviewed | 29th August 2023 |
| Approved by | Principal |
| Next scheduled review date | 29th August 2025 |