Health advocates push stricter no-smoking, no-vaping rules in schools

A health advocacy group on Wednesday reminded the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Health (DOH) to strictly enforce smoke-free and vape-free policies in schools to protect students from the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine products.

In a statement, the Parents Against Vape (PAV) said both agencies should prioritize the implementation of smoke-free and vape-free environment programs.

PAV emphasized that DepEd's comprehensive tobacco control policy, which prohibits smoking near schools and among learners, must be consistently applied to protect students from the dangers of tobacco, vapes, heated tobacco products, and other novel tobacco items.

"If we strictly enforce smoke-free and vape-free policies, we are not only eliminating the exposure to secondhand smoke but also preventing students from starting to smoke and use vape," the group added.

Earlier, the DepEd and DOH reported “tangible” improvements through a multi-agency initiative aimed at transforming schools into health-promoting environments, in line with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.’s directive to create safer, healthier spaces for learners.

DepEd noted that the Healthy Learning Institution (HLI) program — a nationwide strategy implemented in partnership with the DOH, local government units, and school communities — focuses on both the physical health and mental well-being of students and school personnel.

The DepEd–HLI initiative, launched in 2022, follows Joint Administrative Order (JAO No. 2022-0001), signed by DepEd, DOH, Commission on Higher Education, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and the Legal Education Board.

In accordance with Section 30 of Republic Act 11223 or the Universal Health Care Act, the JAO operationalizes the designation of schools as healthy settings based on standards set by the DOH and DepEd.

"Schools that maintained or implemented smoke-free and vape-free policies are beneficial for the whole health of students — both physical and mental," PAV said.