Why even e-cigarettes are banned in schools

In Hessian schools and on school grounds , no so-called e- cigarettes can be smoked in addition to conventional cigarettes. This was decided by the Giessen Administrative Court. Thus, a school principal was able to prevail , who had banned the cigarette substitute .

A plaintive teacher of Mercantile schools in Marburg had argued that the e- cigarette does not fall under Non smoking protection and education law . In contrast, principals and court relied on the legal situation , which prohibits smoking in school buildings and on the Grounds. "Smoking " within the meaning of this provision was also inhaling an e-cigarette , it was said (ref. 5 K 455/12.GI ) .

Health effects of e- cigarette have hardly been explored , their use is controversial. The E-Cigarette an often- nicotine-containing liquid that inhaled by the consumer evaporated. In contrast to conventional cigarette no substances are burned , the user takes no tar on .

"I expect my teachers that they exert a role model ," said headmaster Sigmar Günther on request. His school will soon receive the certificate " Healthy School " - ergonomic chairs, and healthy lunches are just as important as a drug prevention program .

In the opinion of the Giessen chamber of the smoking ban is supported by the Education Act in particular . It was not just about the protection of non-smokers , but also about prevention. " Students should not be led into the temptation to imitate something that after the evaluation expert bodies has a health hazard potential by the school model ," the court ruled . Little consolation for the teacher : he can smoke the cigarette not , he may show it on the other hand very well .

The judgment is not yet final , the teacher can , however, appeal.