Abstract: Objective: To identify differences in knowledge on health effects and practice towards arecanut use between students of public and private school in Male’ city, Maldives. Methods: The study was a part of a cross-sectional survey conducted using pre-coded questionnaire at 4 different schools in Male’. For identifying differences in knowledge and practice related to arecanut consumption between a public and private school, one public and the only private school included in original study were selected for this study for comparison. The sample size was recalculated by utilizing total population of both and 288 sample subjects were used in data analysis. The sample subjects were selected using simple random sampling for private school, while census sampling used for public school. Descriptive statistics were presented using SPSS version 21.0. Results: Out of 288 school goers 144 (50%) were boys and 144 (50%) were girls. Secondary school children studying in selected public school in Male’ city have better knowledge on harmful effects of arecanut use than those who studies at selected private school. Public school goers are more aware on most of the health effects caused by arecanut consumption such as teeth discoloration, gum disease, tooth decay, asthma worsening, cancer, kidney disease and heart disease. School goers who started arecanut use before 15 years of age are more at private school, more students at private school said arecanut was introduced to them by their own family member and frequency of daily use, overall daily consumption and duration of arecanut use is higher among private school children rather than public school children. Supari was more consumed by students of private school considering Rasily supari as their favorite brand. School goers who consume arecanut at school ground is more in public school. More students at private school swallow arecanut or its liquid while consuming it. Conclusion: Secondary school goers of public school in Male’ city have better knowledge regarding harmful effects of arecanut use such as teeth discoloration, gum disease, tooth decay, asthma worsening, cancer, heart and kidney disease. There is a difference in practices related to arecanut consumption between public and private school children.