The proportion of young people smoking in Northern Ireland is falling, it was revealed today.
Although almost a quarter of those aged 16 or under have used tobacco more adults are kicking the habit and this is having a positive effect on their children, the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) added.
The charity called for further efforts to restrict availability and curb advertising of cigarettes.
UCF head of cancer prevention Gerry McElwee said: "Smoking is the biggest cause of preventable death and disease in society.
"Three quarters or more of adult smokers begin as teenagers.
"It is very important for the future health of our community that we ensure that this figure continues to drop and we call on government to put more emphasis on prevention as well as cessation."
He said the 24 per cent of those in the first five years of secondary school who have used tobacco at some stage, according to the latest 2007 survey, compared to around a third in 2003.
He linked this to less adults smoking in the house and education work with children.
"On the one hand this shows a positive trend," he added.
"But we cannot be complacent and there's still a major job to do."
He called for the removal of cigarettes at the cash register, generic packaging with logos taken off and an end to vending machines.
"We need rigorous enforcement of illegal sales (to the underage) so that retailers should be aware that they are selling a lethal product," he added.
PA