millie richards / Tuesday, 2 May 2023

Smoking and Vaping on School Buses

Smoking and Vaping on School Buses

Recently there has been an increase in complaints and reports relating to the use of electronic cigarettes (or e-cigarettes – also known as 'vapes') on school buses.

Electronic cigarettes are battery-powered electronic devices which heat and vaporise liquids that may or may not contain nicotine or flavouring agents. The vapour is inhaled through a mouthpiece, and then exhaled by the user as a fine particulate smoke simulating the act of smoking. Use of e-cigarettes is commonly referred to as ‘vaping’.
E-cigarettes are relatively new products and the long-term safety and health effects associated with their use and the exposure to second hand vapour are still to be determined. However, chemicals found in E-cigarettes and the vapour they generate include heavy metals such as nickel, tin and lead; compounds such as benzene and, hydrocarbons such as naphthalene, found in mothballs. All of these are known to be toxic and include chemicals that can cause cancer.

Smoking or the use of vapes on the school bus is unacceptable and considered a serious breach of the Code of Conduct and will be managed in accordance with the Behaviour Management Guidelines as a Category 3: Dangerous & Offensive Behaviour.

Penalties for this category include:
• First Offence – Suspension up to 1 Week
• Second Offence – Suspension 2 to 4 weeks
• Subsequent Offence – Suspension 5+ weeks and permanent suspension from the service may also be considered.
We strongly encourage that you talk to your child about the dangers of vaping so that together we can protect the health of all the students travelling on school buses.

Further information about e-cigarettes can be found at:
Electronic cigarettes in Western Australia (health.wa.gov.au)

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Smoking and Vaping on School Buses

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