School bus vape ban enforced

Cameras are to be fitted inside school buses in a bid to stamp out vaping.

Buses taking Marlborough Girls’ College students to and from school will have cameras in place from next term.

The move comes after some students continue to flout the rules, setting off the Blenheim-based school’s fire alarms twice last term.

Principal Mary-Jeanne Lynch revealed the move in a school bulletin sent home to parents on Friday.

She says it is an increasing problem.

“It is a growing issue, and of significant concern.

“The impact on other students is significant, particularly on buses when other students cannot get away from those who vape, and when students' vaping at school causes fire alarm activations.

“Vaping is not permitted either at school or on school transport. Students vaping at school has resulted in our fire alarms being set off twice this term.

“Our fantastic volunteer fire brigade do not need to have their time wasted in this way nor do we need the interruption to learning and school activities,” she says.

Vaping refers to the use of an electronic device that heats a liquid turning it into a vapour that is easily inhaled. The liquid can include nicotine.

From 11 November 2020 vaping was banned in schools and early childhood centres, including their grounds and buildings.

The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990 prohibitited vaping in indoor workplaces, and the entire grounds and buildings of early childhood centres and schools.

Results from the New Zealand 2019 ASH Year 10 Snapshot survey showed that 3 per cent of students were daily vapers. The percentage of students who vaped at least monthly came in at 12 per cent.

The law means all school management and boards must take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure that no person smokes or vapes in or on the premises at all.

Mary-Jeanne has called on the support of parents to help ensure students stick to the rules.

Help is also on hand to support students wanting to quit.

“We have a smoking cessation programme that runs once a week, “ she says.

“We discuss the matter with students and parents, and every situation is different as are the consequences.

“Our expectation is that students acknowledge the impact of their actions on others and repair the harm caused.  “

Smoking rates among young people are continuing to drop in New Zealand.