More than eight out of ten Scots polled want smoking banned at school gates

Charity says new Scottish Government should adopt similar legislation to Wales.

Released on 31st May 2026

Asthma + Lung UK Scotland, ahead of World No Tobacco Day (31 May), is leading calls for a ban on smoking outside school gates, with the charity revealing popular support to protect children and young people from second-hand smoke.

The charity’s annual survey of 1000 people in Scotland, undertaken by Opinion Matters, showed over eight out of ten (83.7%) people agreed that smoking at the school gates should be banned to help protect children’s health, with 2.9% strongly disagreeing.1

Smoking claims an estimated 7,085 lives in Scotland each year (2) and is the leading preventable cause of premature death and ill health in Scotland (3).

The charity is calling on the new Scottish Government to adopt similar legislation to Wales, where smoking around schools, playgrounds and other locations used by children has been banned since March 2021.

The charity also points to England where the UK Government started a consultation in February on extending smoke-free places and introducing heated tobacco-free and vape-free places south of the border. There has been no indication from the Scottish Government when it plans to consult on extending smoke and vape-free places in Scotland.

Passive smoking, although harmful to everyone, is particularly dangerous for children as their lungs are still growing and they breathe faster. When a child breathes in second-hand smoke, it could increase their risk of developing asthma, having an asthma attack or other breathing problems.4

Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma + Lung UK Scotland, said:

“To hit the target of less than 5% of adults smoking by 2034, normalising smoking around children must be stopped and their still developing lungs must be protected from breathing in harmful second-hand smoke.

“The charity is urging the new Scottish Government to use the new powers in the Tobacco and Vapes Act as well as banning smoking around schools, playgrounds and other locations used by children.

“This World No Tobacco Day, this polling shows the vast majority of people in Scotland want to see a ban of smoking at school gates.

“Every child should be free to live, learn and play in a smoke free environment.”

Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of the health charity ASH Scotland, said:

“In supporting the World Health Organisation’s World No Tobacco Day campaign, which is focused on unmasking the predatory tobacco industry’s tactics, we are urgently calling for tobacco and recreational nicotine products to be put out of sight and out of mind for the next generation, including banning smoking at school gates in Scotland.

“The Scottish Parliament has the opportunity to create a healthier society by tackling addictive and health-harming products, and it is pleasing to see the high level of public support for stronger measures to better protect children from exposure to unwanted tobacco smoke.”

Mike Corbett, National Official NASUWT Teachers’ Union Scotland said:

“NASUWT Scotland welcomes the calls from Asthma + Lung UK Scotland for the Scottish Government to introduce a ban on smoking outside school gates. The strong level of public support mirrors the concerns raised regularly by school staff, who believe children and young people should not be exposed to second-hand smoke as they arrive at or leave school.

“Any measures aimed at reducing children’s exposure to second hand smoke and improving public health are welcomed and should be given serious consideration.”

NOTES FOR EDITOR

  1. We surveyed 1,000 adults in Scotland and over eight out of ten (83.7%) want smoking outside the school gates to be prohibited. Combining those who said ‘strongly agree’ or ‘agree’ to the following statement: Smoking at school gates should be banned.
  2. Public Health Scotland; Date Accessed May 22 Smoking attributable hospital admissions and deaths - Scotland 2024 - Smoking attributable hospital admissions and deaths - Publications - Public Health Scotland
  3. The Scottish Health Survey 2024 - volume 1: main report. Date Accessed 22 May.  Smoking - The Scottish Health Survey 2024 - volume 1: main report - gov.scot
  4. Passive smoking; NHS Website; Date Accessed 22 May. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoking/passive-smoking-protect-your-family-and-friends

Methodology:

The research was conducted by Opinion Matters on behalf of Asthma + Lung Scotland, among a sample of 1,000 adults in Scotland aged 16+. The data was collected between 19.12.25 - 06.01.26. Opinion Matters abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles.