The Avon prevalence study: a survey of cigarette smoking in secondary school children

Abstract

AS PART of a project to design educational materials for use in secondary schools, 10,500 11-16 year olds in Bristol schools were asked about their smoking beliefs, attitudes and behaviour. One per cent of 11 year olds smoked regularly (more than six cigarettes a week), compared with 27 per cent of 16 year olds. Pupils significantly overestimated the number of smokers in their age group. Smokers tended to be underachievers, to value their health less, and to conflict more with their parents, although parental approval was linked with smoking status in their children.