Brit school allows teens to smoke

London: While many countries have banned smoking in public places and some have even prohibited the sale of tobacco products near educational institutions, a British school is allowing pupils as young as 14 to smoke between lessons.

Tinshill Learning Centre in Leeds claims it is a part of an anti-smoking drive. Under the rules, students can light up in a smoking room during breaks, as long as they have a note from their parents.

School authorities say the new policy is meant to help pupils stop smoking and reduce confrontations with teachers, adding they have outlined the move and sent notes to parents at the beginning of term.

So far, ten children have been given permission to smoke.