Students of all ages at a special school in Queensland will be allowed to take smoke and vape breaks to reduce stress and disruptive behavior during class, parents and former staff have revealed.
It is understood Arethusa College’s Deception Bay campus, north of Brisbane, implemented the policy several years ago, despite staff raising concerns.
It is believed that more than 50 students are on a list where they are allowed to smoke or vape and even have a designated spot.
While the college is seeking permission from parents, one claims that their child was admitted even after they informed the school that they did not want children smoking in school.
It is illegal to supply cigarettes or e-cigarettes to anyone under the age of 18. Queensland legislation also stipulates that educational facilities, both public and private, are smoke-free.
Arethusa College insists it has “never been found to have breached our legislative duties.”
“We have been open and transparent with public health authorities,” director Lisa Coles told the publication.
‘We have seen that the majority of young people who come to us with a nicotine addiction leave our College without a nicotine addiction.
She added that the college took a transparent approach to smoking or vaping dependency, without judgement, while addressing the issue with students through a “rigorous education program.”
Daily Mail Australia does not suggest the school provides cigarettes or vapes to students.
Former staff have spoken out about the policy, claiming the college’s approach was that ‘if they (certain students) are triggered, they should let go and start smoking’
Another former employee described the policy as counterproductive.
One parent claimed their child is now vaping, despite telling the university they didn’t want their child smoking at school.
“They (the college) said they (the students) are going to do it anyway, so they would prefer to do it in a designated area where they are safe and supervised,” the parent said.
Queensland Health said the Metro North Public Health Unit has been working with the school regarding regulatory compliance and providing resources.
