What policies are currently in place in schools?

The use of tobacco products falls under the Smoke Free Ontario Act, 2017.

In Ontario, the law sets a minimum age of 19 to use, buy, possess and consume tobacco. Even though tobacco is legal for adults 19 years of age and older, it is still prohibited in schools, on school property, and at school-related activities.

It is also prohibited to use tobacco products on children’s playgrounds, within 9 meters of bars and restaurants, and within 20 meters of school grounds and recreation facility properties.

The SFOA is enforced locally by the Tobacco Enforcement Officers (TEOs) at the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit.  Contact a WECHU TEO for questions or to submit a complaint at https://www.wechu.org/submit-complaint-tobacco-smoking-vaping-or-cannabis

Please refer to your specific school board and/or school’s policy on tobacco and substance use for further information.