Ban smoking and vaping in school to protect young people, suggests health organisation

WHO says the tobacco industry relentlessly targets young people with tobacco and nicotine products, resulting in e-cigarette use increasing and nine out of 10 smokers starting before the age of 18. Products have also been made more affordable for young people through the sale of single-use cigarettes and e-cigarettes, which typically lack health warnings.

Ruediger Krech, Director of Health Promotion, said, “Whether sitting in class, playing games outside or waiting at the school bus stop, we must protect young people from deadly second-hand smoke and toxic e-cigarette emissions as well as ads promoting these products.”

The new guide and toolkit are step-by-step manuals for schools to create nicotine- and tobacco-free campuses, but it takes a “whole of school” approach – which includes teachers, staff, students, parents, etc. The guide and toolkit include topics on how to support students to quit, education campaigns, implementing policies and how to enforce them.