The Health Education Authority says that the result of its survey reveals the urgent need for a better example to be given to children by completely banning cigarettes from schools.

The survey also showed that smoking by adults was more likely to be tolerated in independent schools than in state schools.

Almost all schools have a policy on smoking, the survey found, but this only extended to creating an entirely smoke-free environment in a minority of schools.

According to the HEA, about 450 more children start smoking each day, leading to an estimated 13% of 11 to 15-year-olds becoming regular cigarette smokers.

Ban on teachers smoking

As a contribution to cutting the number of young smokers, the HEA wants all schools to ban teachers, parents, governors or adult visitors from smoking on school premises.

"Not only do teachers need to advise children about the dangers of smoking, but they must also set a good example by not allowing smoking on the school premises," said Steve Woodward, the HEA's smoking programme manager.

Mr Woodward says that "peer pressure is the tobacco industry's best salesman" and that schools should make every effort to discourage children from taking up smoking.