Move will protect teachers, school staff and students alike
Ontario is taking a step to protect teachers and school staff from the harm that secondhand vapour from vapes can bring.
Effective Sept. 1, the provincial government is banning vaping in schools.
Exposure to secondhand aerosols from e-cigarettes is associated with increased risk of bronchitis symptoms and shortness of breath among young adults, especially among those who don't smoke or vape themselves, according to one research cited by the American Heart Association.
The move also protects students, said Sylvia Jones, deputy premier, minister of health and MPP for Dufferin-Caledon.
“By banning vaping in schools, our government is setting students up for success and prioritizing their health and well-being inside and outside the classroom. We are also reminding parents to keep their kids up to date on all routine vaccinations this school year to ensure our schools and communities remain safe for everyone.”
The government is also restricting students’ use of cellular phones in schools.
The new rules will help combat the negative impact mobile devices, social media and vaping are having on academic achievement, mental health and physical well-being, according to the provincial government.
The government is investing $47.5 million to support the implementation of the new rules, including:
- $15 million to support the expansion of programs that offer direct supports for students who are at risk of substance use and addictive behaviours
- $1 million to School Mental Health Ontario to develop webinars and resources for parents and students to learn how to talk about the adverse effects of vaping and excessive cellphone usage
- $1.5 million for school boards to work with their parent involvement committees to enable parents and community partners to run grassroots campaigns to deter vaping and cellphone distractions
- Further, as announced in Budget 2024, $30 million to school boards for vape detectors and other security upgrades in schools
