MORE than 80% of Scots back a ban on smoking outside schools to protect children’s health, a survey indicates.

Charity partnership Asthma UK and British Lung Foundation Scotland surveyed 1002 adults in Scotland and found four in five (81.1%) want smoking outside the school gates to be prohibited.

The charity said passive smoking, while harmful to all, is particularly dangerous for babies and children as their lungs are still growing. It said youngsters breathing in other people’s smoke could face slowing lung growth and an increased risk of developing asthma.

The charity is now calling for Scotland to follow Wales in banning smoking around areas where children and young people spend their time, such as school grounds and play areas.

Joseph Carter, head of Asthma UK and British Lung Foundation Scotland, said: “Passive smoking not only has detrimental health effects on children’s lungs, but it also increases the likelihood that they too will become smokers later in life.

“It is vital that we protect the next generation’s lungs from the effects of smoke.”