In brief
Research from Cancer Council Australia's Generation Vape survey shows a notable decline in vaping rates among teenagers ages 14 to 17, dropping from 17.5% in 2023 to 14.6% by April 2024. The study suggests a shift in attitudes toward vaping, as fewer young people express interest in the habit, possibly reflecting the impact of recent legislation and education campaigns.
The Australian Health Minister, Mark Butler, highlighted the success of law enforcement in seizing over 10 million illegal vapes in the past year as part of these efforts. The newly enacted laws, effective July 2024, restrict the sale and distribution of single-use vapes, allowing nicotine vapes to be obtained only with a prescription. Nonetheless, the black market for nicotine vapes continues to thrive. Additionally, the survey reveals that a significant majority (85.4%) of participants have never vaped, and many current or former users express feelings of shame regarding their vaping. However, access to vapes through local shops remains a challenge, with the health minister expressing optimism that Australia’s vaping crisis may be turning a corner, although he acknowledged ongoing challenges with both vaping and illicit tobacco use.
