education.vic.gov.au

Smoking and Vaping Ban

Policy last updated

4 March 2024

Scope

  • Schools

Date:
January 2020

On this page:

Policy

Policy

The purpose of this policy is to support public health objectives and ensure there is no smokingExternal Link or use of e-cigarettes (vaping) on school premises (buildings and grounds), within 4 metres of school entrances or at school sanctioned events held off-premises.

Summary

  • In Victoria, a person must not smoke or vape on school premises or within 4 metres of any pedestrian access point to school premises.
  • The prohibition on smoking includes vaping and applies whether or not the e-cigarette contains nicotine.
  • Cigarettes and e-cigarettes cannot be sold to people under 18 years of age.
  • It is a legislative requirement that schools must display suitable ‘No smoking or vapingExternal Link ’ signs at all pedestrian access points (entrances) to the school grounds. The legislation defines smoking to include e-cigarettes.
  • Smoking and vaping are not permitted during school events and excursions held off school premises.
  • Use or possession of an e-cigarette does not fall under any of the grounds for suspension of a student.
  • Schools can refer to the Guidance tab for further information on managing vaping.

Details

Smoking and vaping ban

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. The smoking and vaping ban applies to:

  • anyone present on school premises during and outside of school hours including students, teachers, contractors, parents or carers or the wider community, such as sporting groups
  • all activities that take place on school premises including pre-schools, kindergartens, outside school hours care, cultural, sporting or recreational activities and school fetes.

The department also bans smoking and vaping at school events and excursions held off school premises.

The Department of Health websiteExternal Link has further advice, factsheets and diagrams to help schools define premises and pedestrian access points where smoking and vaping is banned.

‘No Smoking or Vaping’ signage requirement

Schools must:

  • display ‘No Smoking or Vaping’ signs at each pedestrian access point to the school premises. Free ‘No Smoking or Vaping’ signs can be ordered and downloaded through the Department of HealthExternal Link website
  • 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 or Vaping’ area.

Other actions

Principals or their delegate must ensure that the whole school community is aware that smoking and vaping are not permitted on school premises and within 4 metres of school entrances. This may be achieved through the signage required at each entrance. If further measures are required (due to non-compliance), notices in the school newsletter, on the school website and direct communication with specific staff, students, parents/carers or visitors who are non-compliant may be required.

It is recommended that principals or their delegate:

  • remind the school community that smoking and vaping are not permitted at school-sanctioned events held off school premises
  • where relevant remind staff that a person must not smoke or vape in a motor vehicle if a person under 18 years is also present in the motor vehicle
  • encourage department employees who require support to comply with the ban to:
  • make tobacco and vaping education, information and staff training available to support students not to smoke or vape – refer to the Guidance and Resources tab.

Resources and school supports

The Guidance tab contains information and advice to support schools to prevent and manage student vaping in schools.

The Resources tab contains links and materials to assist schools, parents/carers and the whole school community to talk to children and young people about the dangers of smoking and vaping, and support young people who do smoke and/or vape to stop. Template wording is also available to assist schools in sharing information about smoking and vaping with parents and carers through their school communication channels (for example, their school newsletter).

School and area-based health, wellbeing and inclusion workforces can also assist with providing support to students who smoke or vape. These include:

  • Doctors in Secondary School Program
  • Secondary School Nursing Program
  • Student Support Services Program
  • Mental Health Practitioners in Schools
  • Primary Welfare Officers
  • Koorie Engagement Support Officers.

Definitions

Electronic cigarettes
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are 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’.

Relevant legislation

Guidance

E-cigarette and vaping management guidance for schools

This guidance contains the following chapters:

  • Background
  • Identifying vaping
  • Prevention
  • Supporting students to stop vaping
  • Managing vaping incidents

Background

Background

An e-cigarette (also known as a ‘vape’) is a battery-powered device that heats liquid (‘e-liquid’ or ‘juice’) into an aerosol, which is inhaled into the lungs.

In Victoria, possessing or selling e-cigarettes containing nicotine without a prescription is illegal. It is also illegal to sell an e-cigarette to a person aged under 18 years, regardless of whether they contain nicotine.

There is currently limited regulation of quality and safety standards for e-cigarettes. E-cigarettes purchased in retail stores (or imported from overseas) without a prescription are not subject to any specific quality or safety standards.

Some e-cigarettes are marketed to young people on the claim that they do not contain nicotine. However, most e-cigarettes and vaping liquids in Australia do contain highly addictive nicotine, even if it is not stated on the label.

The e-cigarette industry also uses social media tactics to re-direct young people to online retailers and normalise nicotine dependence. Laws have been proposed to ban the future sale and import of all non-prescription e-cigarettes. There may be an increase in e-cigarette marketing and sales ahead of any future import and sales ban.

Harms

Many e-cigarettes contain harmful chemicals that are known causes of cancer, heart disease and lung disease.

Many e-cigarettes and e-liquids also contain nicotine, which is highly addictive. Young people become more easily and rapidly addicted to nicotine than adults. Nicotine harms the way a young person’s brain grows, which may affect memory and concentration. Research from Cancer Council Victoria has found that adolescents who use e-cigarettes are more likely to start smoking tobacco cigarettes.

The role of schools

Students who vape are more likely to be less engaged at school, have lower learning and wellbeing outcomes and participate less in school activities.

A whole-of-school approach to vaping prevention and response can build wellbeing and connection that meaningfully engages students to change behaviour and promote health.

School smoking and vaping ban

The Tobacco Act 1987 (Vic) bans smoking and vaping on school premises, and within 4 metres of any pedestrian access point to school premises. This applies to anyone on school premises during and outside of school hours including students, staff and school visitors.

The department also bans smoking and vaping at school events and excursions held off school premises.

Identifying vaping

Identifying vaping

There are many different styles of e-cigarettes. They can be difficult to spot because they often resemble common school items such as highlighter pens, markers and USB drives. Some can be disposable, and some are small enough to fit into a pocket or pencil case.

For more information, refer to Quit Victoria: What do e-cigarettes look like?External Link

The below image is an example of what some e-cigarettes may look like.

Examples of different types of e-cigarettes

Identifying vaping at school

E-cigarettes may emit visible aerosol or ‘vapour’. They may also be detected by an unexplained scent in the air from e-cigarette liquid (or ‘juice’) flavouring. Fruit or confectionery flavours are popular, resulting in a scent that is usually sweet.

Nicotine addiction can look different from person to person. A student might be experiencing nicotine withdrawal if they:

  • find it more difficult to manage emotions – for example, becoming moody, angry or sad
  • find it hard to concentrate and engage
  • get anxious or nervous if they can’t vape
  • find reasons to frequently leave class to vape.

Some of these behaviours may also arise from other health or behavioural causes.

Prevention

Prevention

Vaping prevention is best managed as part of a whole-school approach to supporting student health and wellbeing. The following strategies seek to support vaping prevention at school.

Student teaching and learning

Deliver vaping prevention in student drug and alcohol education, as part of the Health and Physical Education curriculum:

Support for staff

Support staff professional development and learning:

Healthy school culture

Embed and promote positive behaviours at school in a respectful and inclusive manner:

Leadership and commitment

Engage student voice to inform school vaping prevention strategies such as:

  • student-led research or surveys
  • peer-to-peer education
  • student-led local health campaigns or communications – young people respond well to peer-led behavioural change campaigns.

Refer to the Student Voice, Agency and Leadership policy for more information.

Family and community partnerships

Support and promote parents and carers to talk about vaping with their children. Schools can use the following to support conversations with families:

Contact local partners, such as Local Public Health UnitsExternal Link , local council, or community health services, who may be able to support whole-school approaches.

Supporting students to stop vaping

Supporting students to stop vaping

Student self-referral and help seeking behaviour

Students may hesitate to seek help due to worry about consequences at school, among peers and at home.

It is recommended that schools tell students that they will be supported to stop vaping and will not be punished if they approach school staff for help. This prioritises health and wellbeing support ahead of punitive approaches.

Good practice engages student voice to design what an accessible help seeking approach might look like at school. Refer to the Student Voice, Agency and Leadership policy for more information.

Informing students of help available

It is recommended that schools:

  • frame vaping as a health and wellbeing concern, rather than a behavioural or disciplinary problem
  • assure students that they will not be punished by the school for asking for help, and will be supported
  • communicate to students about how to seek help inside and outside of school, such as Quitline (calling 13 78 48, texting or requesting callback, online webchat)
  • display clear and visible information for students about help-seeking options.

Refer to Managing vaping incidents for more advice on appropriate referrals and supports.

Supporting student autonomy, safety and privacy

It is recommended that schools:

  • provide counselling spaces that are discreet and comfortable for students
  • support student self-referral or self-booking to Student Wellbeing supports (for example, a confidential form, online booking system available to all students, or by providing information about how students can self-refer) without needing sign-off from teachers, parents or carers to seek help. Once students have referred themselves, schools will then need to follow their usual consent processes to deliver health and wellbeing services to students
  • where possible, encourage and offer support to students to tell parents/carers and include family in any plan to stop vaping
  • assure students that their privacy concerns will be managed on a 'need to know' basis with school staff to support the student’s health and wellbeing, consistent with the department’s Privacy and Information Sharing policy.

Case study

Mrs Kaur is a secondary school English teacher. In between classes, she’s approached by Jax, a Year 9 student. He tells her quietly that he’s thinking about quitting vapes. He’s looked at the Quit website but isn’t sure if he’s old enough to use Quitline.

Mrs Kaur encourages Jax to make an appointment with the school’s Student Wellbeing team. She reassures Jax that he’s doing the right thing, and that he won’t get in trouble asking for help.

Jax makes an appointment with Mr Wilson, the school counsellor, at lunchtime so that he doesn’t need to leave class.

Mr Wilson reassures Jax that he’s doing the right thing for his health. He suggests that Jax tell his mum that he wants to quit vaping, so that he can be supported outside of school and at home. If needed, Mr Wilson offers to speak to Jax’s mum to make it clear that Jax isn’t in trouble at school, and that Jax is seeking help and is motivated to quit.

With Mr Wilson’s help, Jax books an online appointment with Quitline.

Managing cravings in the classroom

Nicotine dependence is a health issue. Schools may need to support in-class behavioural and engagement strategies for students who are stopping vaping. This may require coordination between health and wellbeing staff and teachers.

For most people, nicotine withdrawal symptoms fade over time (with symptoms particularly intense in the first 24 to 72 hours) and generally dissipate over 2 to 4 weeks. Royal Children’s Hospital has more information about nicotine withdrawalExternal Link .

Quit VictoriaExternal Link offers advice for managing cravings. Schools can plan with students and implement appropriate in-class strategies to support them. Some strategies might include students:

  • letting staff know they are having a craving
  • pausing to close their eyes or breathe deeply
  • keeping hands busy, such as using a stress ball or fidget spinner, or picking up a pen to start drawing or writing
  • getting a book or activity to briefly occupy themselves
  • having a drink of water.

Case study

Mr Lewis is a science teacher. He has asked Em, a Year 8 student, to meet him to discuss her recent performance in class. Mr Lewis says that he’s noticed Em is more irritable during class, and often makes excuses to leave class. Mr Lewis tells her he wants her to succeed and asks if there is something that she is concerned about that might be impacting her work and her engagement with peers.

Em tells Mr Lewis that she’s been trying to quit vapes. She didn’t think stopping would be so hard until she tried to quit. He explains that help and support is available, and refers her to the school nurse.

Mr Au, the school nurse, meets with Em and explains nicotine dependence. Mr Au explains that Em’s symptoms might last for a few weeks as her body and brain re-adjusts, but they are only temporary. With the help of a Quitline counsellor, Mr Au and Em create an individual plan with strategies to deal with cravings in class, such as taking a drink of water or squeezing a stress ball.

Em says that she doesn’t feel comfortable letting some teachers know she’s trying to quit. Mr Au offers to speak to those teachers. However, Mr Au feels it is important for Em to tell some teachers she trusts about her plan herself. Em decides to start with her science teacher, Mr Lewis.

Nicotine replacement therapy

Research is still looking at the effectiveness of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in persons 12 years of age or older who vape. Medical practitioners might prescribe patches, lozenges or gum where behavioural supports alone cannot control cravings or stop vaping, or where nicotine withdrawal are significantly disruptive and severe.

Refer to the department’s Health Care Needs and Medication policies to support students who are prescribed nicotine replacement therapy by a medical practitioner.

Medical practitioners cannot prescribe an e-cigarette device to a person under 18 years of age who is quitting tobacco or smoking.

Managing vaping incidents

Managing vaping incidents

Schools can refer to the below procedures to follow when students are vaping on school sites or at school activities. These are consistent with the department’s Alcohol and Other Drugs – Students policy.

Respond to an emergency

When responding to an emergency, it is important to remember that:

  • e-cigarette inhalation may cause acute breathing difficulty or trigger an asthma attack
  • swallowing vaping liquidsExternal Link may result in nicotine poisoning – symptoms may include nausea, vomiting and stomach pain, and feeling burning inside the mouth and throat.

In the event of any emergency – such as a very unwell student, difficulty breathing, drowsiness or loss of consciousness – call 000 for emergency medical assistance. Follow your school’s First Aid procedures and/or Emergency Management Plan.

In the event of skin or eye contact with vaping liquid, wash the site with clean running water only, and contact the Victorian Poisons Information CentreExternal Link on 131 126.

Report incidents that cause harm to a student’s health in line with the Managing and Reporting School Incidents (Including Emergencies) policy.

Contain the incident and confiscate the e-cigarette

When confiscating products:

  • label, and store securely for collection by the student’s parents/carers
  • store them in a dry place away from sunlight and heat.

Explain to the student that smoking and vaping are banned at school, and there are behavioural expectations for students.

Schools may ask where the student has obtained their device and liquids (including online or social media), noting students are not required to disclose. Retail traders (for example, tobacconists, convenience stores) can be reported to Crime Stoppers onlineExternal Link or on 1800 333 000.

Consider non-punitive interventions (referral to wellbeing supports) before disciplinary measures. For complex or repeated incidents, follow the department’s guidance on Managing and responding to behaviour – consequences for students.

Contact parents or carers

It is strongly recommended to contact a student’s parent or carer after a vaping incident to:

  • explain the vaping incident, emphasise the ban on possession, supply or use of a vaping device at school
  • request parent/carer attend the school to collect the student’s confiscated vaping product
  • provide parent/carer with information about vaping (refer to resources for parents, carers and families).

For more complex or repeated incidents, schools must follow any processes set out in their local Student Wellbeing and Engagement Policy when engaging with parents/carers. Schools can also refer to the department’s guidance on Managing and responding to behaviour – consequences for students for further information.

Refer the student to school health and wellbeing supports

Student health and wellbeing staff (for example, the school nurse, wellbeing coordinator, Doctors in Secondary Schools and SSS) may explore the student’s reasons for vaping, such as stress, peer pressure, mental health, or relationships at home and school.

When speaking to students, staff are encouraged to:

  • explain why the ban on vaping in schools is in place (vaping can harm student health, wellbeing and engagement, and is against the law)
  • avoid lecturing or using scare tactics, and remain fact-basedExternal Link
  • explore the student’s motivation and readiness to change their behaviour, and identity possible commitment for action.

Staff may:

If needed, refer the student to other health, mental health and wellbeing supports or services. This may include Secondary School Nurses, Doctors in Secondary Schools, Mental Health Practitioners, or headspace.

Implement any other health, wellbeing and behaviour supports if relevant

Refer to the department’s Health Care Needs and Medication policies to support students who are prescribed nicotine replacement therapy by a medical practitioner.

Refer to the department’s Behaviour – Students policy for students who may need additional behavioural supports.

Suspension

Suspension is a serious disciplinary measure. Principals must follow the process set out in Ministerial Order 1125, which requires consideration of whether the behaviour falls within the grounds for suspension, and considering alternative interventions and supports. Refer to the department’s Suspensions policy.

Use or possession of an e-cigarette does not fall under any of the grounds for suspension of a student.

Every effort must be made to retain students in education as they are often at greater risk of harm or disadvantage if disengaged from school.

Vape detectors and school-wide restrictive measures

School-wide measures such as vape detectors or locking bathrooms are not encouraged. Responses that are exclusionary, invasive or restrict all students’ rights to privacy may not be effective and reduce student and staff trust and engagement.

Vape detectors require capital and ongoing costs, may be tampered with, and will not always identify students who are vaping on school grounds. The department is not aware of any credible evidence to suggest that vape detectors in bathrooms prevent young people from vaping at school.

Restricting access to bathroom and change room facilities could give rise to health or wellbeing risks to students, including for menstruating students or those with health concerns or disabilities.

Schools must not install CCTV cameras in toilets, change rooms, dressing rooms, showers or other areas where individual privacy is paramount. Refer to the CCTV in Schools policy.

Webinars and other professional learning

Schools are encouraged to be mindful of unsolicited commercial offers, including webinars and ‘professional learning’ from external companies marketing their own vape detectors and other products.

Department policy requires all visiting speakers support the school’s educational programs and align with relevant department policies and procedures.

Schools must not engage in or promote professional learning, presentations to students, or webinars created or run by people who either work for the tobacco industry or are working to further its interests by receiving funding from the tobacco industry.

It is recommended that schools ask potential speakers to declare any conflicts of interest, including affiliation with the tobacco industry, prior to engaging them.
The tobacco industry includes tobacco manufacturers, wholesale distributors, and importers of tobacco products.

Refer to the Visitors in Schools policy for more information about appropriate visiting speakers.

Schools can request advice from health.advice@education.vic.gov.au if needed.

Search measures

A principal’s power to search for or seize harmful items under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic) does not extend to e-cigarettes. Refer to the Weapons and Other Harmful Items – Banning, Searching and Seizing policy.

Students who sell e-cigarettes on school premises

It is illegal for anyone to sell e-cigarette products to people under 18 years of age, including to friends or contacts on social media.

For students selling e-cigarettes, refer to the advice within this guidance for Managing vaping incidents.

Schools are encouraged to report to the police any individuals from outside of the school community entering school premises to sell e-cigarettes and vape products.

E-cigarette disposal

Confiscated e-cigarette devices and liquids must be returned to parents and carers.

If required to dispose of e-cigarettes, do not dispose the devices and liquids in general waste. If needed, dispose through a waste removal service that can receive lithium batteries and liquid nicotine (a poison). Schools may contact their local council’s waste management service or local police station for disposal advice.

If schools have a current contract for waste removal services (for example, battery collection), check with the contractor whether they can dispose of e-cigarettes.

Case study

Mr Perez, a school aide, sees Sam, a Year 10 student, vaping at school. Mr Perez confiscates the vape. He explains that vaping is banned at school, and that the school’s policy is to notify Sam’s year coordinator, Ms Fakhoury, and Sam’s parents of the incident. Mr Perez stores and labels Sam’s vape securely in a locked cabinet in the front office.

Ms Fakhoury calls Sam’s parents and asks them to collect Sam’s vape. She explains to them that there is a strict vaping ban at school to protect Sam’s and other students’ health, wellbeing and learning. Ms Fakhoury tells Sam’s parents that Sam has agreed to meet with the school nurse. She shares online information about the harms of vaping. Ms Fakhoury explains repeated incidents will lead to disciplinary action, and support to stop using vapes can be accessed through the school.

Ms Fakhoury arranges for Sam to meet with Mr Kassa, the school nurse. Sam says that they don’t think that they have a problem with vaping. Mr Kassa explains there is help available through Quitline or their GP and shares online information Sam can look at in their own time.

Mr Kassa encourages Sam to share this information with their parents – Mr Kassa offers to chat with them if Sam wishes. Mr Kassa reminds Sam that if they ask for help about their vaping, support is available.

Resources

Resources

Communication materials for schools

Advice for schools and parents

Factsheets for schools and parents

Download smoking and vaping advice for schools in different languages

The ‘Smoking and vaping: advice for schools’ document is available to download in different languages.

Download smoking and vaping advice for parents in different languages

The ‘Smoking and vaping: advice for parents’ document is available to download in different languages.

Teaching and learning resources

Ban and signage compliance

Advice services

Other useful websites

Reviewed 27 January 2021