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Ministry of Health

Tobacco-Free Schools

All public and private kindergarten to Grade 12 schools in British Columbia are tobacco-free under the Tobacco Control Act. This ban extends to school property at all times, regardless of whether or not school is in session.

This law applies to:

  • Students
  • School employees
  • Parents
  • School visitors, on-site workers & guests
  • Anyone attending non-school activities in schools or on school grounds
  • Anyone in school vehicles
  • Anyone in private vehicles parked on school property
  • All tobacco products, not just cigarettes

Why is this law important?

  • Because everyone’s health is important
  • Because most smokers start before the age of 18
  • Because tobacco is addictive
  • Because these  requirements might help smokers in their efforts to quit

Please support tobacco free schools:

  • Support your school’s efforts to promote a healthy learning environment
  • Ensure that you comply with the law by not using any tobacco products while on school grounds
  • Encourage and support student awareness of the law. Make sure your children understand the consequences of violating the  legislative provisions while at school
  • Support school officials if penalties are imposed
  • Be a positive role model for your children, whether you’re a smoker or not. Encourage and help them say no to cigarettes, and don’t give them, or provide easy access to, tobacco products.

School boards, superintendents and principals must take reasonable care and exercise due diligence to prevent contravention of these laws. This involves enforcing individual school district tobacco control policies.

The ceremonial use of tobacco is exempted from the ban on tobacco use in schools if the ceremonial use is approved by the school board and it is performed in relation to a traditional aboriginal activity.

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