[Prevalence of smoking among high school teachers and students in Norway]

The Ministry of Health and Social Affairs has defined "smoke-free schools" and "role models" as priority objectives in a document describing the national strategy to prevent the harmful effects of tobacco. We have investigated smoking policies in upper secondary schools, and to what extent policies support these objectives. Heads of Schools or Counsellors at all 487 upper secondary schools in Norway were contacted by telephone. Up to five calls were placed to reach the right person. A total of 432 interviews were conducted (90% response) in the course of December 1998. 85% of upper secondary schools permit the teachers and 90% permit the students to smoke in the school area. At 35% of the schools students and teachers smoke together on a daily basis. There are geographical differences in levels of restriction. 20% of the schools have prepared a plan of action against use of tobacco. Compared with schools without such a plan, smoking is less frequent among both teachers and students, and tobacco prevention activities are given higher priority. We conclude that public authorities should introduce a set of universal rules for smoking among students and teachers in the upper secondary school.