The merits of single-sex education have long been debated in the United States, where demand for single-sex schools is on the rise. Title IV, a 1972 law prohibiting sex discrimination in education, was amended in 2006, allowing for the establishment of single-sex state schools so long as a coeducational alternative is available. While critics view single-sex schools as discriminatory and inadequate preparation for adult life, advocates claim that children, and particularly girls, benefit from a single-sex education. Some American research shows that girls attending single-sex schools have higher self-esteem, participate more in class, and score higher on aptitude tests than their counterparts in co-educational schools. A 2005 study claimed that both girls and boys attending single-sex schools spent more time on homework and had less disciplinary problems. Single-sex schools subvert stereotypical course-taking patterns and results. Advocates of single-sex schooling argue that educators can teach more effectively by tailoring their tuition to reflect current research about gender-based brain development. Many experts, however, believe that research into single-sex education is inconclusive, and that so long as the education provided is gender-fair, both girls and boys can thrive in a co-educational environment.

On 1st July 2007 the smoke-free law was introduced in England with the aim of protecting employees in their places of work, and the general public in enclosed public places, from the effects of secondhand smoking. These law changes mean that all public transport and work vehicles used by more than one person must be smoke-free, no-smoking signs must be displayed in all smoke-free premises and vehicles, and staff smoking rooms are no longer allowed; staff who want to smoke must go outside. Local councils in England have the responsibility of enforcing the law but it is the legal responsibility of the managers of smoke-free premises and vehicles to make sure people don?t smoke. Individuals can be fined or prosecuted for breaking the law and employers can be fined if they do not
display the no-smoking signs or if they allow smoking to continue on their premises.