Parents say adverts hamper the healthy eating message

Researchers also said that parents felt sponsorship from big food companies may undermine attempts to encourage children to eat healthily.

The study by the Scottish Parent Teacher Council (SPTC) found that a majority wanted stricter guidelines.

However, only a minority favoured an outright ban on advertising in schools.

Parents expressed considerable opposition to multi-nationals advertising in schools.

Increasing awareness

There was also criticism of companies that used "pester power" to get parents to buy certain products or to shop in certain stores.

A total of 1,151 individuals in 92 schools, primary and secondary, across 26 local authorities were questioned for the survey.

Judith Gillespie, SPTC development manager said: "Although this does not seem to be a burning issue for many parents, it will be interesting to see whether there is increased awareness of the role of large organisations, such as banks when EMAs, Educational Maintenance Allowances, become established.

Branding removed

"EMAs are paid into bank accounts, so in order to receive them, youngsters have to set up accounts - enter a well-known Scottish bank?"

About 10,000 teenagers begin receiving their first EMA payments this month, as part of a plan to encourage pupils to stay on after fourth year.

Concern about advertising led to Coca-Cola agreeing to remove branding from vending machines in Glasgow schools.