Toronto Bans Smoking in Parks, I Say Lay Off
The Junction Parents blog recently applauded the City of Toronto for banning smoking within 9 metres of all play areas. I’m sure that most parents agree, but I must admit that I’m ambivalent about this one.
Sure, smoking around the playground seems gross and tacky, but I haven’t seen any evidence that exposure to the minute amount of smoke found in open air areas is actually harmful. There are parents who smoke, but do not smoke in their homes. Bringing their kids to the playground and sneaking a smoke on the periphery might offend our sense of proper playground etiquette, but is it harmful? Should it be criminal?






