Shifting social norms are slowing the number of young people being hooked on vapes, but Australia isn’t out of the woods yet, an expert has warned.
A survey of almost 15,000 14 to 17-year olds found the number of teens vaping fell from 18 to 15 per cent since February 2023.
The report released by the Cancer Council’s Generation Vape Project on Wednesday 16 July found rates of e-cigarettes among 30 to-59-year-olds have halved, while fewer than one-in-five 18 to 24-year-olds used vapes.
But despite the lowering rates, Cancer Council chair Alecia Brooks said the work to reduce smoking rates were far from over.
“What this data shows us is that we can’t really be complacent around this, we have to keep the pressure on,” she told AAP.
“People should not be able to make a profit off somebody else’s health.”
Vape shops and tobacconists are leading a rise in black market sales of vapes, Ms Brooks said.
The report found the number of vapes being bought by young people at stores surged to almost 35 per cent of all sales.
This is despite laws only allowing vapes to be sold in pharmacies.
But the number of people vaping is shrinking and one reason is because of social media, according the report.
What was once a place that painted a fantastical snapshot of the flavoured air devices now is exposing less of the products online.
Feelings of shame and embarrassment are poignant and the term “vaper” has became increasingly stigmatised, the report said.
The report’s chief investigator Becky Freeman said young people were realising the “harm it’s doing to their wellbeing”, which had led to a decline in vaping rates.
Health Minister Mark Butler said education and prevention campaigns also helped deter people from taking up vaping or smoking.
“Vaping rates for young Australians have now turned the corner,” he said.
“It may take time to see a big decrease in vaping and smoking, but we are here for the long haul for a healthier Australia.”
The Australian Border Force and the Therapeutic Goods Administration have also seized almost $500 billion worth of illicit vapes since January 2024.
Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in Australia and is estimated to kill more than 24,000 Australians each year.
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Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged five to 25)
