Brookside Primary School champions smoke free school gates in Oxfordshire
School children at Brookside Primary School in Bicester have thrown their support behind a new initiative to reduce children’s exposure to harmful tobacco smoke.
Oxfordshire County Council’s smoke free school gates campaign aims to encourage more smoke free zones at school entrances throughout the county.
Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, said: “We all know about the risks of second hand smoking. On top of that, around two thirds of smokers started as children, and young people are four times more likely to light up if they live with a smoker.
“That’s why we want to encourage initiatives such as these to help normalise healthy smoke free environments for children and young people.
“Brookside has set the standard for what can be achieved when a school community comes together to protect children’s health. We’re eager to see more schools follow their example.”
Pupils at the school were involved in researching the health risks of second-hand smoke and, with support and signage provided by the council, created educational materials for parents and carers.
The campaign will be delivered alongside national efforts including Stoptober, helping to raise awareness and support families who want to stop smoking.
James Watt, Deputy Head of Brookside Primary, said: “This has been a whole school effort. Our children took the lead in learning about the dangers of smoking and worked with staff to create a healthier school environment.
“This scheme has not only changed behaviours around the school gates but has also helped some families begin their journey towards quitting”.
The council’s free stop smoking service, Smoke Free Oxon also provides a range of support services to help residents quit, including aids, coaching and more. People can find out more by visiting Smoke Free Oxon’s website, by calling 0800 772 3673, or text QUITOXON to 66777.
Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.