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SMOKE FREE SCHOOL POLICYOnewhero Area School Policy Legislation (National Administration Guideline 5) PURPOSE: This procedure covers how the school will 1) address smoking and comply with smokefree legislation, and 2) create an environment which supports students to remain smokefree. RATIONALE: A smokefree school provides an environment that protects and promotes the health and well-being of the entire school community. Smokefree school settings reinforce messages within the school curriculum about the harmful effects of smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke. Smoking is the single most preventable cause of premature death and ill-health in our society. The vast majority of people who smoke initiate smoking by the age of 18 years. Passive smoking also affects the health of non-smokers. Everyone has the right to breathe clean air, and non-smokers are the majority. Young people are more likely to start smoking if they see adults smoking. Children who receive consistent messages, see non-smoking role models, and grow up in a smokefree environment are less likely to smoke. Our school can reduce smoking uptake among students and has a role to play in working towards a smokefree society. PROVIDING A SMOKEFREE ENVIRONMENT: The Smoke-free Environments Amendment Act (2003) is a government regulation requiring school buildings and grounds to be smokefree from 2004. This procedure outlines how the school will comply with this legislation. PROCEDURE: 1. Onewhero Area School is a smoke-free environment. 2. The smokefree policy applies to all visitors to the school, for example, relieving staff, parents and contractors. 3. In accordance with the requirements of the smokefree legislation, the school will display appropriate signage at each entrance to the school. The purpose is to ensure that all people who come onto the grounds are aware that the entire grounds are considered smokefree. Signs inside the office and within the staff room will be displayed to remind visitors (such as contractors) that smoking is not permitted. Where appropriate, contractors and visitors to the school will be advised of the policy. 4. Current employees will be regularly reminded and all prospective employees will be given or shown a copy of this procedure. 5. While the purpose is not to create confrontation, any person seen smoking within the school grounds should be asked to cease. 6. Smokefree areas include the school road crossing patrol for staff on duty. Employees who smoke will be asked to ensure they cannot be seen smoking by students (even if off the school grounds). Education outside the classroom and other similar events held off-site are also considered to be smokefree. Parent helpers in particular will be reminded prior to such trips that they must not smoke while looking after pupils. PROMOTION OF SMOKEFREE: Supporting students to remain smokefree requires intervention in social and cultural aspects of the school environment. This procedure outlines how the school will promote a smokefree environment. PROCEDURE: 1. Smokefree messages, information and skills will be incorporated into the curriculum. Where possible, staff will be provided with smokefree - related professional development. 2. Students found smoking in or around the school environment will be offered assistance and referred to counselling/cessation support. This support will be separated from and not viewed as part of the school's behavior management programme. Parents will be contacted with the emphasis on how to assist their child to quit smoking (as a health rather than discipline issue). 3. Parents will be informed of the school's smokefree status and the smokefree procedure and messages will be promoted to the school community (e.g via school newsletters). 4. Quit smoking services will also be promoted to parents. 5. School staff members who smoke will be offered information and support to assist them to quit smoking. COMPLAINTS: All complaints involving smoking will be referred to the Principal, who may pass these to the Board of Trustees for investigation. Investigations shall take place within 20 working days of the complaint or incident. The investigation shall follow the procedures as laid down in the Smokefree Environment Amendment Act (2003). SELF REVIEW & CONSULTATION: The Board of Trustees will undertake a review of the policy as part of the three-yearly review cycle. The school will seek input into this policy from the school community, particularly the Maori community. Board of Trustees Chairperson: ________________________ 27/10/2010 Policy reviewed 27 October 2010. Next review date October 2013. |
