education.vic.gov.au

Smoking and Vaping Ban

Policy last updated

2 August 2022

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 (commonly known as '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 use e-cigarettes on school premises or within 4 metres of any pedestrian access point to school premises.
  • Inhaling vapour from an e-cigarette is known as ‘vaping’. When using an e-cigarette, the user inhales and exhales the vapour, which can look similar to smoking a cigarette. The prohibition on smoking includes the use of e-cigarettes (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 display suitable ‘No SmokingExternal Link ’ signs at all pedestrian access points (entrances) to the school grounds. The legislation defines smoking to include the use of an e-cigarette.
  • In Victoria, a person must not smoke in a motor vehicle if a person under 18 years is also present in the motor vehicle.
  • Smoking and vaping are also not permitted during school events and excursions held off school premises.

Details

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 SmokingExternal Link ’ signs and enforce the ban to prohibit smoking and vaping on school premises (including buildings and grounds) and within 4 metres of school entrances.

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.

Smoking and vaping are also not permitted during school events and excursions held off school premises.

Schools must:

  • display ‘No Smoking’ signs at each pedestrian access point to the school premises. Free ‘No SmokingExternal Link ’ signs can be ordered and downloaded through the Department of Health and Human Services website — refer to the Resources tab
  • 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.

Principals or their delegate should:

  • 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
  • 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 in a motor vehicle if a person under 18 years is also present in the motor vehicle
  • encourage Department employees who require support complying with the ban to either:
    • call the Quitline on 13 7848. Quitline is a friendly, confidential telephone service. A Quitline counsellor is trained to listed carefully and provide practical advice tailored for each person.
    • use the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or contact LifeWorks (1300 361 008)
  • if necessary, arrange training with Quit VictoriaExternal Link on how to support staff and young people to quit
  • make tobacco education information available. Education resources are available in the Resources tab.

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), commonly known as ‘vaping’

In Victoria it is illegal for any person aged 18 or over to obtain, possess or use nicotine e-cigarettes, or e-cigarette cartridges containing nicotine, or nicotine liquids for use in a vaporiser, without a prescription. It is illegal to sell e-cigarettes to, or buy e-cigarettes for, any person aged under 18 years whether or not the e-cigarettes contain nicotine. Whilst it is not unlawful for a person to possess or use e-cigarettes that do not contain nicotine, it is unlawful to use them on school premises or within 4 metres of a school entrance.

Resources and school supports

The Resources tab contains guides to assist schools, parents 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 quit. 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:

  • 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

Guidance

There is no further guidance for this topic. For more information, refer to Resources tab.

Resources

Resources

Communication materials for schools

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

  • Get ReadyExternal Link – a suite of teaching and learning activities for students in Years 7 to 9. It is an evidence-based drug and alcohol education program with lessons specifically covering smoking
  • Healthy Schools Achievement ProgramExternal Link – provides a whole of school framework for health and wellbeing. It includes a focused health area on tobacco, alcohol and other drugs
  • Positive ChoicesExternal Link – resources and drug prevention programs for schools developed by University of Sydney. Includes drug and alcohol booklets for parents, teachers and students covering e-cigarettes and vaping, an e-cigarette factsheet and webinar

Advice services

  • QuitlineExternal Link provide advice and confidential counselling, including for children from 8 am to 8 pm Monday to Friday – phone 13 78 48
  • DirectLineExternal Link is a state-wide alcohol and other drugs advice service offering confidential counselling and referral 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – phone 1800 888 236
  • Youth, Drugs and Alcohol Advice provide a youth-specific advice service from 9 am to 8 pm Monday to Friday – phone 1800 458 685
  • Alcohol and Drug Foundation advice line – phone 1300 85 85 84
  • HeadspaceExternal Link offer mental health support online, by phone and in person through headspace centres.

Other useful websites

Reviewed 27 January 2021