2.13 School Manual: Smoking & Vaping


In the interests of good health, the school works with staff and students to maintain a smoke-free zone at Farrer. It is, under a NSW Government directive, illegal for anyone to smoke, including e-cigarettes/vapes, on NSW Department of Education property. Smoking (including vaping) on school premises, including school buildings, gardens, sports fields and car parks, is prohibited. This includes students, employees, visitors and other people who use school premises, including community.

Vaping and smoking cigarettes are treated in the same way in NSW public schools, as outlined in the Dept of Education's Drugs in Schools Policy.

For clarification;

  • Being in the presence of someone smoking/vaping does not constitute a smoking offence. Nevertheless, students so caught will be demerited/may be dropped a colour level and warned of the dangers of passive smoking.
  • The possession of cigarettes/vapes will be treated the same as smoking/vaping.
  • The possession of a cigarette lighter will result in a drop in colour level.
  • Smoking/vaping on the journey to or from school will still constitute an offence.

In following with the NSW Department of Education Student Behaviour Policy, if a student is in possession of, uses or supplies tobacco, vaping devices, alcohol and e-cigarettes it will result in a suspension. The student will be required to attend a re-entry interview with the Principal. The Principal will determine the conditions under which the student may return to school.


See also Drug Related Incidents (2.14)

Reference Material:
NSW Health Vaping Fact Sheet
Australian Government How to Quit Smoking Advice
Cancer Council Quitting Smoking support

Last updated April 2024.

Back to Behaviour, Discipline & Wellbeing Back to Behaviour, Discipline & Wellbeing

COPYRIGHT © 2024 FARRER MEMORIAL AGRICULTURAL HIGH SCHOOL. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ABN 18 246 198 266 PRIVACY STATEMENT