Parents told to stop smoking outside school

Parents who light up outside school gates are the targets of a campaign by their own children.

New 'smoke free' zones have been set-up outside schools across the whole of Warwickshire, signposted by posters handmade by pupils.

They have created stark messages to parents and carers about stubbing out the habit of smoking at school gates.

Designs from two children are being used by Warwickshire County Council  for the ‘smoke-free zone’ posters which hang on school railings.

Stopping smoking at the gateways to schools is key for all places of learning according to Siobhan Marrow, headteacher at Newdigate Primary and Nursery School in Bedworth, who said: "We are proud to take part in this campaign to encourage parents to stop smoking near our school gates.

"Asking parents not to smoke at the school gates not only reduces the chances of children being influenced by smoking behaviour but also has health benefits by lowering their exposure to second hand smoke."

Talking about the importance of the posters, county councillor Les Caborn, cabinet member for health and adult social care at Shire Hall, said: “We all know that quitting smoking is the single best thing you can do to improve your health.

"What we want to achieve through installing these signs is to prevent every child from having that first cigarette to help protect their health.

"By stopping smoking near school gates, it helps to make smoking invisible to children and reduces their chance of trying it for themselves."

Nuneaton -based Cllr Jeff Morgan, cabinet member for children's services, added: “It was fantastic to see so many entries from Warwickshire pupils, the creativity and thought that went into every one of their designs was incredible.

"I hope that the messages will resonate with people dropping off and picking up children and encourage people to consider their smoking habits around young people.”

Those who want to stop smoking are being urged to log on to quit4good.warwickshire.gov.uk to find out more.

Visit our Facebook pages for Coventry and Nuneaton or visit our Twitter pages for Coventry and Nuneaton

Watch our videos on YouTube and see our photos on Instagram

Find old stories in our online Archives and search for jobs, motors and property, or place an advert or family notice here