The use of electronic products such as vaping, electronic cigarettes and cigars as well as cartridges of nicotine solutions and related products are not permitted on school property or within 20 metres of school boundaries.

This is in compliance with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA), which is enforced locally by York Region Community and Health Services and the Tobacco and Smoke-Free Environment Policy and Procedure. A progressive form of discipline, including suspension from school and fines, is in place for students who break the law.

What are E-cigarettes, vaping, juuling?

According to Health Canada, “vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling a vapour produced by a vaping product, such as an electronic cigarette [or Juul]. Most vaping substances are flavoured and can contain nicotine. ... In the vaping substances that contain nicotine, the level of nicotine can vary widely. Some mixtures have very low levels of nicotine, while others can contain more nicotine than in a typical tobacco cigarette.”

Risks associated with vaping

York Region Public Health reports that e-cigarettes [and vapes] are being used to inhale other harmful substances such as marijuana, weight loss supplements and other drugs."

The risks of vaping include exposure to harmful chemicals, potential addiction and long-term health problems.

According to a Health Canada study, about one in five Grades 7-12 students reported trying e-cigarettes.

Fines and YRDSB Progressive Discipline

Smoking, holding lighted or heated tobacco or cannabis products, vaping and consuming any other tobacco products are not permitted on school property at any time by anyone (staff, students or visitors), including in any vehicle. The use of electronic products such as electronic cigarettes, cigars and pipes as well as cartridges of nicotine solutions and related products are also not permitted on school property.

This is in compliance with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act which is enforced locally by York Region Community and Health Services and the Tobacco and Smoke-Free Environment Policy and Procedure. The act also prohibits supplying and sharing tobacco to persons under 19 years of age and carries a fine for those who are not compliant.

Exceptions are made for the traditional use of tobacco that forms part of Indigenous culture and spirituality.

A progressive form of discipline, involving suspension from school and fines, is in place for students who break the law.

For more information, please see the Tobacco and Smoke-Free Environment Policy and Procedure or contact York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653, TTY 1-866-252-9933 or visit www.york.ca/tobacco. Information regarding substance misuse and abuse, including cannabis and vaping, can be found on the Board website. You can also learn more about the Legalization of Recreational Cannabis on the Ontario Ministry of Education website at www.ontario.ca/education.

To report an incident, call 1-800-361-5653 ext 4. Report the complaint with "York Region Health Protection," who will dispatch a Tobacco Enforcement Officer (will respond within 24-48 hours).

Resources

If you or your child is struggling with drug and/or alcohol use, help is available.

• Partnership for Drug Free Kids - How to Talk To Your Kids About Vaping