IMAGES of celebrities smoking on television and in films are encouraging young people to take up the habit, a report says.

A NSW Health survey of more than 5000 school students aged 12 to 17 revealed 75 per cent of them believed seeing celebrities with cigarettes encouraged young people to start smoking.

The findings of the Australian Secondary School Alcohol and Drug survey, due for release in March next year, also show teenage smoking rates are at their lowest level in 20 years.

About 41,000 NSW students had smoked at least one cigarette in the previous week, with those who did saying they smoked an average of 22 cigarettes a week.

Frank Sartor, the minister assisting the Health Minister, said the research showed young people were more likely to start smoking before they turned 16.

“The survey reveals that more than half the students surveyed believed that smoking by celebrities encouraged young people to take up smoking,” Mr Sartor said.

They also indicate that advertising campaigns and graphic warnings on cigarette packets are helping to reduce smoking rates.

Professor Simon Chapman, of Sydney University’s public health faculty, said people in the public eye needed to be aware they were important role models for children.

“Just as we say cigarette advertising influences smoking, so does the image of somebody who is well known for being beautiful, interesting or talented,” he said.

Source: News.com.au