Epping Secondary College Newsletter

Smoking and Vaping Ban


For many years smoking has been banned on school premises and in a reflection of broader community expectations and the Tobacco Amendment Act 2016, e-cigarettes, vapes and shisha tobacco are considered in the same way as other tobacco products. This means that no students, staff or visitors to the school should be using these products on the premises or within 4 metres of any Epping Secondary College entrance.

 

Not sure what we are talking about when we refer to vaping?

E-cigarettes and vapes are devices that make vapour for smoking, hence the term vaping. Battery-operated, they may look like cigarettes, cigars, pipes, pens or memory sticks, and use liquids containing a range of toxic chemicals including those that add flavour.  Some of the products currently available are illustrated below:

Our Principal, Mr Moyle says vaping is not new practice, but access to the devices had become easier for students, and it's the accessibility and the effects ESC is working to educate students about.  Some students may not be aware of the health effects of vaping, and that is why it is important to guide students on the right path to make good choices. 

 

By law, smoking and vaping are banned within the grounds of, and within four metres of an entrance to, all childcare centres, kindergartens, preschools and schools.

 

If you have any questions about the use of tobacco products, e-cigarettes, vaping or shisha products, please contact the school on 9401 2599.

 

Where the ban applies

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

When the ban applies

The smoking and vaping ban applies at all times, no matter whether the building or school grounds are being used for education purposes or other purposes. The ban therefore applies when other activities are taking place on the school grounds, such as public events or sporting events, as well as during school hours.

 

Why the ban exists

To protect children and young people from the dangers of second-hand smoke and vapour

This ban ensures that children and young people can enter and leave these areas without being exposed to harmful second-hand smoke and vapour. Their health is particularly at risk because they have smaller airways and less developed immune systems compared to adults.

 

To reduce the role modelling of smoking and vaping behaviours around children and young people

Children and young people are more likely to view smoking and vaping as socially acceptable when they regularly see people doing it.

Banning smoking and vaping in areas used by children and young people will discourage children and young people from using tobacco or e-cigarette products.

 

What consequences / penalties apply

Students are reminded that consequences for smoking or vaping will be applied in line with our student management processes and practices at the school.  This may include suspension and the requirement to participate in an educational program around the effects of smoking/vaping.

 

Adults are reminded that fines can be applied for smoking / vaping on school premises or within 4 metres of an entrance.  Fines are described under law in penalty units. From 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021, a penalty unit is valued at $165.22. 

    

The penalty for breaking school smoking and vaping ban laws is a court fine of a maximum of five penalty units ($826 as of 1 July 2020) or an infringement fine of one penalty unit ($165 as of 1 July 2020).

 

For more information

For more information: