Law
From this summer onwards, no school will be able to avoid smoke-free measures. Due to an important amendment to the Tobacco and Smoking Products Act, fines may be imposed on primary schools, secondary schools, MBO institutions and higher education institutions if insufficient smoke-free measures have been taken.
Research
The law comes at the right time. Research shows that children and young people who see others smoking are themselves more likely to start smoking. That is why many schools have had smoke-free premises for some time. This not only establishes a healthy standard for pupils and students, but also protects them from the harmful effects of passive smoking.
Figures
The Trimbos Institute conducted research into the measures taken by schools. It showed that the majority of primary schools (80 percent), more than half of secondary schools (62 percent) and a minority (14 percent) of MBO institutions have smoke-free school premises.
Enforcement
Although there is clearly still much to be done, many schools have already taken the necessary measures. The Griftland College in Soest, for example. From the smokers’ area to the entire schoolyard, smoking is no longer permitted anywhere. To enforce this, people are not punished but good behavior is rewarded. The principal told RTL Nieuws that he made a list of all the pupils who smoked and talked to them. An outing is planned for the pupils who manage to stop smoking.
Getting started
Healthy School creates programmes to help schools promote a healthy lifestyle. Its website provides an overview of all the options, tools and materials for turning the school into a smoke-free school. The Trimbos Institute has also listed the most important measures a school can take.
Responses and experiences
Is your children’s school well prepared for the anti-smoking legislation? Raise the issue at the school and let Parents & Education know. Do you have questions about health at school? For more information, visit the Parents & Education website. Couldn’t find the answer? Ask your question via [email protected] or call 088-6050101. You can reach Parents & Education by telephone on working days between 9:30–12:30 and 13:00–16:00.