A Dublin schools smoking survey: Part II Smoking and attitudes

4,500 boys and girls aged 11–18 years, in Dublin city and county, were sarveyed to establish their smoking habits. The survey population covered Secondary, Secondary Top and Vocational Schools—the intermediate and leaving certificate cycles.

23% of the total population surveyed were current smokers; 31% of the boys and 10% of all girls. By school leaving age 59.3% of the day boys were regular smokers as were 20% of the girls at that stage. p The average number of cigarettes smoked per week amongst 18 year old boys was 42.5 and amongst girls 25.2. 10% of boys had already had their first cigarette by the age of 7.

Where both parents smoke a higher percentage of boys and girls also smoke. And the father’s smoking habit carries particular weight in influencing the children. Most parents are aware that their children smoke; and one-third of parents give the impression of approval.

Smokers get more pocket money than non-smokers and boys get 25% more pocket money than girls. Children from Social Group 1 get less pocket money than children from other groups. And fewer boys from Social Group 1 are current smokers than from any other group.