What the Law Says
Under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 19 to purchase, possess, or use tobacco or vaping products. This includes e-cigarettes, vape pens, and any device that delivers nicotine or cannabis through vapour.
Students may not vape or smoke on any school property, including outdoor areas like playgrounds and sports fields.
Fines for vaping or smoking on school grounds can be up to $305+ for a first offence and $5,000 for subsequent offences[^2^].
Selling or supplying vaping products to minors is also prohibited and subject to penalties.
To report someone selling or supplying vape products to anyone under 19 years of age, or to report someone vaping in a prohibited place:
Call: York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653; TTY 1-866-516-6228 or
Email: Health.Inspectors@york.ca
York Region Tobacco and E-cigarette Control Officers will investigate complaints and take appropriate action.
🖱️ YORK REGION TOBACCO, VAPING AND YOUTH 🖱️
🖱️ VAPE FACTS - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW🖱️
🖱️ CAMH - SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH ONTARIO - VAPING RESOURCE🖱️
The York Catholic District School Board maintains a strict no-smoking and no-vaping policy in all schools and on all Board property. This includes:
Prohibiting the possession or use of tobacco, nicotine, or vaping products on school property or during school events.
Confiscating any such items if found in a student’s possession.
Notifying parents or guardians immediately.
Applying progressive discipline, which may include suspension, in accordance with the Ontario Schools Code of Conduct and YCDSB’s Safe Schools policy[^1^].
Students caught vaping or smoking on school property may face school-based consequences and may also be fined under provincial law[^1^][^2^].
If vaping in school leads to the deployment of York Regional Fire Services, parents will be responsible for the fines associated with emergency services being deployed—approximately $500+ per fire truck that is sent to the site[^4^].
🖱️ CANNABIS, ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES, TOBACCO – A SMOKE-FREE ENVIRONMENT - POLICY 610 🖱️
Health Risks of Vaping
According to York Region Public Health, vaping is not a safe alternative to smoking. Even though e-cigarettes don’t contain tobacco, most contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and harmful to developing brains.
Impaired memory, concentration, and impulse control in teens.
Exposure to harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and acrolein.
Increased risk of asthma symptoms, chest pain, and lung irritation.
Potential for nicotine poisoning, especially in younger children.
Evidence suggests that youth who vape are more likely to start smoking cigarettes later[^3^].
How You Can Help
Parents and guardians play a key role in prevention. Talk to your child about the risks of vaping and smoking. Encourage open conversations and model healthy choices. If your child is already using these products, support is available.
For help with quitting, contact York Region Public Health at 1-877-464-9675 or email tobaccofreeliving@york.ca.
Not and Experiment - Resources for Educators, Parents and Students
[^1^]: York Catholic District School Board. (2018). Policy 610: Cannabis, Electronic Cigarettes, Tobacco – A Smoke-Free Environment. Retrieved from ycdsb.ca
[^2^]: Government of Ontario. (2017). Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017. Retrieved from ontario.ca
[^3^]: York Region Public Health. (n.d.). Vaping Fact Sheet. Retrieved from york.ca
[^4^]: York Region. (2020). Fees and Charges for Services and Activities Bylaw. Retrieved from york.ca