Smoking at gates banned by primaries

SMOKERS are being asked to keep their habit away from the gates of every primary school in Bridgend as they are declared no smoking zones.

Garth Primary School in Maesteg officially launched the initiative on Tuesday with all primary schools across the county following suit.

Bridgend is the latest local authority in Wales to join the ASH Wales campaign to make all primary school gates smoke-free zones.

Research shows young people are highly influenced by others smoking around them – those with a parent who smokes are 70% more likely to take up the habit.

Smoke-free areas also protect from second-hand smoke whilst ‘denormalis- ing’ the deadly habit.

Almost half of long-term smokers begin smoking before leaving high school and among children who try smoking around a third become regular smokers within three years.

Tobacco control charity ASH Wales Cymru has been lobbying schools across Wales to ban smoking at their gates and has produced guidelines and signage to support schools wanting to take part.

Suzanne Cass, chief executive of ASH Wales Cymru, said: “Smoking in areas which are created specifically for our young people sends them the completely incorrect message that tobacco is a harmless part of everyday life rather than a deadly and addictive drug. It is essential we set positive examples wherever we can – we do not want our country’s next generation to be the tobacco industry’s next customers.

“We believe children and young people have a right to get an education, play and meet their friends in a clean, smoke-free environment. Banning smoking at playground sand now school gates is a huge step in the right direction.”

Julie Thomas, head teacher of Garth Primary School, said: “We were delighted to host the launch of the Smoke-Free School Gates initiative on behalf of Bridgend schools.

“At Garth Primary School, we are passionate about improving the health and wellbeing of our pupils.”