The Fijian Teachers Association is concerned about secondary students smoking in public places after school hours.
This concern comes after several students were seen smoking at the former Fiji Times front office along Gordon Street, which is now an internet cafe.
Association president Tevita Koroi said it was nothing new for students to be caught or seen smoking in public places.
He said some students have made smoking a habit and have found it hard to stay away from it.
He said parents and elders should encourage their children to concentrate on their education and not be swayed by this kind of activity.
"If students are caught within the school compound, they are disciplined but for students to be smoking in public places or even to be smoking at all will not contribute positively towards their school work. This has been an ongoing issue for a long time and the association will continue to advise students against smoking.
"This should not be encouraged and parents should also try and help solve this ongoing problem of underage smoking."
