School-age children in Australia are vaping less frequently, according to recent research released by Cancer Council Australia, which indicates a decline following the introduction of a government ban on disposable vapes. The study, named Generation Vape, found vaping rates among 14 to 17-year-olds dropped from 17.5% at the start of 2023 to 14.6% as of April this year. The data also shows a more than one-third reduction in vaping rates for individuals over the age of 15.
Australian Health Minister Mark Butler expressed optimism regarding the findings, stating, "Vaping rates for young Australians have now turned the corner." He noted that over 10 million illegal vapes had been confiscated in the past year, indicating proactive measures are yielding results. The new laws, which took effect in July 2024, prohibit the manufacture, importation, advertising, and supply of single-use vapes in the country. Under the revised regulations, nicotine vapes can only be purchased legally with a doctor's prescription at pharmacies, though a persistent black market for nicotine products continues to operate.
In parallel, the UK also implemented a ban on disposable vapes starting in June this year. Although vapes are often considered a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes due to their lack of harmful tobacco, health professionals caution that they are not devoid of risks and the long-term consequences of vaping remain largely unknown. This move reflects concerns from Australian authorities about the increasing popularity of vaping among youth, as Minister Butler warned that these products were fostering a new generation of nicotine addicts.
The Generation Vape survey further revealed that 85.4% of participants from a sampling group of approximately 3,000 teenagers aged 14 to 17 had never vaped, signaling a shift in behavior. Additionally, less than one-third of the teens surveyed expressed interest in trying vaping, suggesting decreased curiosity around the products. Researchers noted that attitudes toward vaping among school-age children are evolving, with many current or former users feeling shame or embarrassment regarding their vape usage.
Despite the reported decrease in self-purchased vapes among teenagers, retail outlets such as tobacconists and vape shops continue to facilitate vape sales, presenting a challenge to enforcement. During an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Minister Butler expressed confidence that Australia has surpassed the “peak of vaping.” He acknowledged the ongoing battle against vaping and illicit tobacco use, emphasizing that smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in Australia, claiming over 24,000 lives annually.
