Tobacco, Vape, and Cannabis
Report a School Offence
School Offence Notification Form
Schools should use the School Offence Notification Form to notify Lambton Public Health of smoking or vaping offences occurring on school property.
Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017
Under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 (SFOA), it is prohibited in schools and on school property, including playgrounds and sports fields to:
- Smoke tobacco or cannabis;
- Hold lighted tobacco or cannabis; or
- Use an electronic cigarette (vape)
These activities are also prohibited on the school bus and in public areas within 20 metres of school property.
The SFOA applies to students, staff, visitors, contractors and all other persons on school property. School administrators and employers have responsibilities to ensure smoking and vaping do not occur in prohibited areas and that required signage is posted and maintained.
Sale or Supply of Tobacco or Vapour Products
It is illegal to sell or supply tobacco products or vapour products to anyone under 19 years of age.
Under Ontario’s Cannabis Control Act, 2017, it is also illegal to knowingly sell or distribute cannabis to anyone under 19 years of age. Cannabis use at school may also be subject to school-board policies and other applicable legislation.
School Enforcement Process
Lambton Public Health uses a progressive enforcement approach that combines education and enforcement, where appropriate.
What Schools Need to Do
When a student is involved in a smoking or vaping offence:
- Complete and submit the School Offence Notification Form;
- Speak with the student and communicate with the parent or guardian about the incident (see Student Letters and Parent/Guardian Letters); and
- Provide school-based disciplinary actions in accordance with school board policies.
Enforcement and Follow-Up
Once a notification is received, Lambton Public Health will review the information and determine the most appropriate response.
Depending on the student’s age, circumstances, and previous offences, and programming available in the school, follow-up may include:
- Enrolment in the Detour Program;
- A warning; or
- A charge under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act.
School Inspections and Compliance Support
Lambton Public Health Enforcement Officers conduct annual inspections of school property and nearby public areas.
During an inspection, Enforcement Officers may:
- Confirm that required smoke- and vape-free signage is posted;
- Provide additional signage where needed;
- Identify compliance concerns;
- Provide education to school administrators and staff; and
- Respond to questions about school responsibilities under the SFOA.
Detour Program – Secondary Schools
Detour is an alternative-to-suspension and provincial offence program for students who have been caught violating the SFOA on school property.
The program focuses on education and behavior change, helping students:
- Understand the health effects of vaping and cannabis
- Explore reasons for vaping
- Build decision-making and refusal skills
- Develop strategies to make healthier choices
About the Program
Detour consists of four weekly sessions that are 50 minutes long. Each session includes:
- Student check-in
- Interactive learning activities
- Education about vaping and cannabis
- Reflection and discussion
Sessions are co-delivered by a Lambton Public Health staff member and a designated school staff member.
Student Referrals
Students are referred to the Detour Program through Lambton Public Health following a reported SFOA offence.
Secondary schools interested in implementing Detour can email Lambton Public Health: healthyschools@county-lambton.on.ca.
Talk Early, Talk Often Education Sessions – Grade 6 – 8
Lambton Public Health offers the Talk Early, Talk Often Educational Series for Grade 6 to 8 classrooms.
This classroom-based series provides age-appropriate education about tobacco, vaping and cannabis, with a focus on prevention before students enter secondary school. The series supports students to:
- Build knowledge about the health and social impacts of tobacco, vaping and cannabis use;
- Recognize influences that can affect their choices; and
- Strengthen critical-thinking, decision-making and refusal skills.
Schools interested in arranging a Talk Early, Talk Often session can email Lambton Public Health: healthyschools@county-lambton.on.ca.
Resources
Tobacco, Vape, and Cannabis – Information for Educators – Guidance Document