Inside school's baffling policy that lets pupils take smoking and vaping breaks

21 October 2023 , 18:36

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Up to 50 are believed to be on a list as permitted to smoke or vape (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Students at one school are allowed to take smoking and vaping breaks to reduce stress and disruptive behaviour during class, according to parents and former staff.

The controversial policy, in place at Arethusa College's Deception Bay campus, was put in place many years ago despite staff objections. Up to 50 are believed to be on a list as permitted to smoke or vape. They even have a designated area. It's illegal to supply cigarettes or e-cigarettes to anyone under 18. Queensland legislation also states that education facilities, both public and private should be smoke-free.

On its website, Arethusa College doesn’t condone the use of cigarettes for underage students. It states: “However, we recognise that a small number of our students do choose to smoke,' the policy states. The campus Principal works with each student and their guardians to remove any obstacles that prohibit students from attending school due to not being able to smoke at school.”

Executive principal Lisa Coles told Daily Mail Australia: “We have been open and transparent with public health authorities. We have seen the majority of young people who come to us with a nicotine dependency leave our College without one.”

She added that the college took a clear approach to smoking or vaping without judgment. At the same time, the special school aims to address the issue with students through a “rigorous education program.”

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According to the policy, students' cigarettes and lighters are handed in at the start of the day and vaping and use of all other substances are banned on campus.

Former staff have spoken out about the policy, claiming the college's approach was that “if they (particular students) are triggered, let them go and have a smoke.” One parent claimed that their child is now vaping, despite telling the college they did not want their child smoking at school.

Arethusa College is an independent school which provides alternative educational and vocational pathways for years 7-12 students who haven't fitted in into the mainstream education system.

Zesha Saleem