Schools must ban e-cigarettes

Published Jul 20, 2023

E-cigarettes (with and without nicotine), like regular cigarettes, are covered by the smoking ban. Wherever a smoking ban applies, it also applies to e-cigarettes. For example, in and around a school building. A school is required to ban the use of e-cigarettes and maintain a smoke-free school grounds.

An e-cigarette may only be sold to people over the age of 18; for minors, the NIX-18 no drinking, no smoking rule applies.

As of 1 October 2023, e-cigarettes with flavours may no longer be sold. The ban on flavours is intended to make e-cigarettes less appealing to young people. Read the NOS news article or watch the item from Jeugdjournaal about this.

How harmful are e-cigarettes and what are the consequences?

E-cigarettes may seem harmless with all their colours and flavours. But most e-cigarettes contain nicotine. Nicotine can cause palpitations, dizziness, nausea, high blood pressure and even epileptic seizures. In addition, nicotine can disrupt brain development in young people. The younger a child starts using nicotine, the more quickly an addiction develops. At primary school age, just a few puffs are enough to develop a nicotine addiction.

There are also e-cigarettes without nicotine. Nevertheless, the vapour from any e-cigarette can cause irritation and damage to the lungs. In addition, all e-cigarettes (with and without nicotine) contain carcinogenic substances, and there is increasing evidence that using e-cigarettes leads to switching to smoking regular cigarettes.

Ten tips for the Golden Weeks in primary education

After every holiday, a group goes through certain phases in the process of group formation. The first weeks at the beginning of the school year are called the Golden Weeks. These weeks are particularly suitable for laying a foundation for good group formation and a pleasant atmosphere. Stichting School & Veiligheid offers ten tips.

Our Food Week

From 3 to 10 October 2026, it is Our Food Week. A great opportunity to focus with your class at primary school on where our food comes from, how it is made and why healthy and sustainable choices are important. Food education allows pupils not only to learn, but especially to experience. That is why various organisations are joining forces to support schools with inspiring activities, teaching materials and practical tools. Examples include the Mayors’ Breakfast, a free visit to a farm, or shopping vouchers for cooking in the classroom.

Join National Tap Water Day 2026 on 30 September!

Would you like more water to be drunk in the new school year? Then put tap water in the spotlight with your class as a healthy and sustainable thirst quencher during National Tap Water Day on Wednesday 30 September. This way, your pupils will discover why tap water is healthy and how to turn it into a festive drink!

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Ten tips for the Golden Weeks in primary education

Our Food Week

Join National Tap Water Day 2026 on 30 September!