Smoking rates may be decreasing among young South Australians, but the popularity of vaping is on the rise.
A survey conducted by the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute in 2022-23 revealed a significant increase in vaping among young people in South Australia (SA).
The survey found that the vaping rate among 15 to 29-year-olds had risen from 8.4 percent in 2022 to 15.1 percent in 2023.
In contrast, the smoking rate in the same age group was 8.7 percent in 2023, indicating that vaping has surpassed smoking in popularity among young South Australians.
The study, which surveyed 3,000 people across SA, aims to guide tobacco control strategies in response to the growing use of e-cigarettes.
South Australian Prevention Response
Health Minister Chris Picton expressed concern over the increase in vaping among young people, stating, “This new survey result shows the very real danger vaping poses to our kids in South Australia.”
South Australia has allocated $16 million for enforcement officers to crack down on illegal suppliers of tobacco and vapes starting from July 1.
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Marina Bowhsall, SA Preventative Health interim chief executive, emphasized the need for further action to address the rise in vaping among young people, stating, “We have a long way to go and there is more to do to help turn the tide for our state’s young people.”
National Concern
The increase in young South Australians using vapes is a cause for concern, reflecting a broader trend across Australia.
The 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS) reported that 21 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds were current e-cigarette users. This marks a significant increase from 5.3 percent in 2019.
In the same survey, there was a three-fold increase in 14- to 17-year-olds who had tried an e-cigarette at least once, rising from 9.6 percent to 28 percent.
Australia has taken measures such as banning single-use vapes and launching an advertising campaign to deter vaping among younger populations.
The federal government’s ban on imported disposable vapes is one of the steps implemented to address the surge in vaping among young Australians.
