Australian youth vaping declines following disposable vape ban, study shows.

Introduction

Youth Vaping Declines in Australia Following Vape Ban and Public Health Measures

Australia is witnessing a significant drop in youth vaping rates, a year after enforcing a nationwide ban on disposable vapes. According to recent findings from the Cancer Council Australia’s Generation Vape study, the number of school-aged children using vapes has decreased, marking a positive shift in the country’s fight against nicotine addiction among young people.

Vaping Rates Among Teens Drop Significantly

Data from Generation Vape highlights a notable decline in vaping among teenagers aged 14 to 17. In early 2023, 17.5% of adolescents in this age group reported using vapes. By April 2025, this figure had dropped to 14.6%. The trend is echoed among those aged 15 and older, with usage falling by more than a third.

This progress coincides with the introduction of new federal regulations in July 2024, which banned the production, importation, advertisement, and sale of disposable vapes. Under the new law, nicotine-containing vapes can only be purchased through pharmacies and require a prescription.

Health Minister Praises Public Awareness Campaigns

Australian Health Minister Mark Butler welcomed the results, saying, “Youth vaping rates have now turned the corner.” He credited public health education, anti-vaping campaigns, and cessation support programmes for changing public attitudes and reducing uptake.

Butler revealed that over 10 million illegal vaping products were confiscated in the past year. While enforcement continues to be a challenge, particularly with a persistent black market, these numbers indicate an aggressive national crackdown.

Changing Teen Attitudes and Behaviour

In addition to the decline in usage, Generation Vape uncovered a shift in teenagers’ perception of vaping. Of the roughly 3,000 14 to 17-year-olds surveyed, 85.4% had never tried vaping. Fewer than one-third showed interest in trying it, and among current or former vapers, many reported feelings of shame or embarrassment about their usage.

Researchers noted that these changing attitudes reflect the success of targeted education and awareness efforts. The growing social stigma attached to vaping may be discouraging young people from trying or continuing the habit.

Persistent Access Through Vape Shops and Tobacconists

Despite stricter laws and increased enforcement, many teenagers still manage to access vapes through traditional outlets like tobacconists and vape shops. These retailers remain a major source of supply, despite being subject to new restrictions. The findings suggest that additional enforcement measures and compliance checks are needed to limit underage access further.

A Global Trend: UK Implements Similar Ban

Australia is not alone in tackling youth vaping. The United Kingdom implemented its own ban on disposable vapes in June 2025, citing similar concerns about rising nicotine use among minors. Like Australia, the UK is focusing on restricting access, changing public attitudes, and reducing long-term health risks.

Health Experts Remain Cautious

Though vapes are often promoted as a less harmful alternative to smoking due to the absence of tobacco, health experts warn that they are not risk-free. Long-term effects of vaping remain largely unknown, particularly in young users whose brains are still developing. This uncertainty has fuelled the push for stricter regulation and public health oversight.

Minister Butler echoed these concerns, stating that vaping is not only a public health issue but also part of a broader struggle against tobacco addiction. “We’ve got a lot more to do, not just in the area of vaping, but illicit tobacco as well,” he said in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Tobacco Still Australia’s Leading Preventable Killer

Despite world-leading anti-smoking laws, tobacco use continues to be the number one cause of preventable death in Australia, claiming over 24,000 lives each year. Health officials argue that tackling vaping is a critical component of the country’s broader tobacco control strategy.

Conclusion: Progress with Ongoing Challenges

Australia’s efforts to reduce youth vaping are beginning to yield results, with lower usage rates, evolving social norms, and tighter regulations. However, ongoing challenges, such as illicit sales and unclear health risks, mean that vigilance is still required. Authorities are determined to build on this momentum to safeguard young Australians and ensure long-term public health gains.

REFRENCE: BBC