How to stop people smoking outside a school.

building_with_lego

As the title, how on earth does one stop or dissuade people from smoking outside a primary school? The people in question are all adults, but some are parents before and after picking up their children, and occasionally staff (!!) on their break.


Being mindful of setting a good example, rather than working within the law, what would you suggest?

DomRavioli

Is this on public land (such as a pavement/road that isn't part of the school)? if so, you can't - put your efforts into something actually productive.

And please don't try to dictate to people, it will only have the opposite effect. I know people who smoke who are a wonderful example, and plenty who don't who probably shouldn't have children at all. Unless you are the head teacher of said school, you will come across as some meddling parent/guardian/resident who has no business in telling others what they can do in a public space. Can you handle that kind of drama? as it may go on for quite some time.

building_with_lego

Yes, on the pavement outside the school. The feeling locally is that it's not a great example to the children, especially as some staff are regularly seen out there smoking themselves.

The children at the school want it to stop and are trying to come up with some proposals of their own; I wondered what unconnected adults' views might be.

Robisere

A large bucket of very cold water might do the trick....

onomatopoeia99

As a non-smoking adult (tried it, liked it, decided not to though), I'd say it's none of my business, stay well clear of the issue and not try to dictate to people what they can do in their own time in a public space.

What is your personal interest in this?

building_with_lego

onomatopoeia99 wrote: »

As a non-smoking adult (tried it, liked it, decided not to though), I'd say it's none of my business, stay well clear of the issue and not try to dictate to people what they can do in their own time in a public space.

What is your personal interest in this?

I don't have a personal interest, merely a little curiosity.

A friend's child attends the school in question and is on the school council. A key point for them to discuss (as per the feelings of the children) is the smoking outside the school. The children feel very strongly about it, I imagine that many adults in school feel strongly about it, but I'm tinkering with thoughts about the legality of smoking in a public space (perfectly ok) and the morality of smoking around very young children (not a great example, really) and how/ whether it's possible to prevent it...

maman

It's a difficult one but I, too would advise you to let the school deal with it. I've known schools to include a request to parents not to smoke in newsletters but at the end of the day schools don't exist to educate parents.
I'd certainly steer clear of criticising what staff do on their rare breaks.
If 'the children ' at the school want to take it up with the headteacher then leave them to it but don't use them to mount your crusade.

LKRDN_Morgan

Our school has a sign made by the reception classes asking parents not to park on the zigzag lines outside the gates. Maybe the kids can get involved with no smoking signs?

Not that I agree with dictating where someone can or can't smoke whilst outside in a public space but it's just an idea

boliston

Is there any traffic passing the school outside?

If so consider flagging down drivers and asking them to be more considerate with their exhaust fumes near children in future.

building_with_lego

LKRDN_Morgan wrote: »

Our school has a sign made by the reception classes asking parents not to park on the zigzag lines outside the gates. Maybe the kids can get involved with no smoking signs?

Not that I agree with dictating where someone can or can't smoke whilst outside in a public space but it's just an idea

It's real can of worms, I know. Signs are all my friend's little one could come up with, and I can't think of anything else to suggest to him.

The thing about parking on the zigzags is that it's illegal, of course, rather than just 'setting a bad example' in some people's eyes. Can of worms!!

pinkshoes

Email the head teacher.

It is not pleasant having to walk young kids past a plume of smoke just to get through the school get for pick up. Vile.

I appreciate people like to smoke, but directly outside the school gate is not the place.

Let the head deal with it, and if they don't, then it speaks volumes!

I know many teachers that smoke, but smoking within view of the school is a big no-no! If anyone is that desparate for a lunch time smoke, they drive somewhere away from the school where no kids or parents will see them!