Smoke-free school becomes mandatory.

Smoke-free school becomes mandatory.

A healthy school comes one step closer. From 1 August 2020, it is by law forbidden to smoke in or around the school. But what does your children's school do? Is it well prepared?

Law

From this summer, no school can escape smoke-free measures. Because of a change in the Tobacco and smoking products act, primary schools, secondary schools, mbo’s and higher education can get fines if smoke-free measures are not taken enough.

Research

The law comes at the right time. Research shows that children and young people who see others smoke, also start smoking earlier. Many schools already have a smoke-free school area. This not only sets a healthy norm for pupils and students but also protects them from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.

Figures

The Trimbos institute did a study about the measures schools took. It showed that most primary schools (80 percent), more than half of the secondary schools (62 percent) and a minority (14 percent) of mbo schools have a smoke-free school area.

Enforcement

Although much still needs to be done, many schools already took necessary measures. The Griftland College in Soest, for example. From the smoking corner to the whole schoolyard, no smoking is allowed. To enforce this, good behavior is rewarded instead of punished. The principal told RTL news that he made a list of all smoking students and talked to them. Students who manage to stop smoking get a trip on the program.

Get Started

Healthy School makes programs to help schools with a healthy lifestyle. The Trimbos institute listed the most important measures a school can take.

Responses And Experiences

Is your children’s school well prepared for the anti-smoking law? Discuss it with the school and let us know. Do you have questions about health at school? Then look for more information on our website. Did not find an answer? Then ask your question via vraag@oudersonderwijs.nl or call 088-6050101. You can reach us by phone on weekdays between 9:30am-12:30pm and 1:00pm-4:00pm.