NVWA investigates, among other things, smoking ban at educational institutions

Smoking ban

The NVWA monitors compliance with the smoking ban on the indoor and outdoor premises of the educational institution. This ban applies to tobacco products and vapes. It is one of the measures from the National Prevention Agreement that should contribute to achieving a smoke-free generation by 2040.

The NVWA also conducts risk-based inspections throughout the year. Inspections may also be carried out in response to reports from students, staff and parents concerning compliance with the smoking ban.

You can read what you, as an educational institution, must do to introduce and enforce the smoking ban on the Smoking ban in school playgrounds page on the NVWA website.

Vapes

Recently, the NVWA has received more reports that vapes are being sold around educational institutions. The NVWA is focusing on tracing the origin of the vapes. This makes it possible to tackle the problem at its source. Since 1 January 2024, vapes with flavours other than tobacco have been banned. Have you noticed that vapes are being sold around your school? You can report this using the NVWA's reporting form.

Enforcement is not the only solution for reducing smoking and vaping among young people. A coherent package of measures, including enforcement and efforts focused on education, is needed for this purpose. For example, there is also the Helder op school prevention programme run by the Trimbos Institute.

Playground equipment

Schools that have playground equipment on their premises must be able to guarantee its safety. You can read how this can be achieved on the Requirements for playground equipment managers page on the NVWA website. This page also provides more information about the obligation to report serious accidents involving playground equipment.

Food safety

All schools with a canteen must comply with food safety standards. It makes no difference whether the school sells food under its own management or has outsourced this to a caterer. You can read more about working safely with food and the supervision thereof on the Food safety for businesses page on the NVWA website.