Smoking habits among young Australians are changing, and the latest data paints an interesting picture. While cigarette smoking is at an all-time low, the rise and regulation of vaping have introduced a new dynamic to the conversation. So, what do the numbers really say about the habits of young Australians? Let's take a closer look at the trends shaping the future of smoking and vaping in the country.
Declining Smoking Rates
According to the latest National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS) 2022–2023, smoking rates among young Australians continue to decline. The survey found that 98% of people aged 14–17 have never smoked, while 83% of 18–24-year-olds have also never taken up smoking (AIHW 2024c). This shift is largely attributed to stronger tobacco control measures, public awareness campaigns, and the emergence of vaping as an alternative.
Daily smoking rates among 18–24-year-olds have plummeted from 24% in 2001 to just 5.9% in 2022–2023. Additionally, young people are delaying smoking initiation, with the average age of first cigarette use rising from 14.3 years in 2001 to 16.3 years in 2022–2023.
While these trends are encouraging, the rise of vaping has sparked a different conversation about nicotine use—particularly among young Australians.
The Youth Vaping Issue vs. Vaping for Ex-Smokers
On one hand, many ex-smokers claim that vaping has helped them transition away from cigarettes and help them not relapsing. On the other, however, the rising popularity of vaping among young non-smokers has raised concerns among parents and policy makers leading to the tightening of regulations and access pathways in Australia.
Recent data shows that youth vaping peaked before 2023 but is now showing signs of decline due to tighter regulations. The latest figures reveal:
- - Vaping experimentation among 14–17-year-olds rose to 28% in 2022–2023 but has since plateaued following regulatory changes.
- - Among 18–24-year-olds, 49% have tried vaping, but daily usage is primarily among those who were already smokers.
- - Youth access to nicotine vapes has decreased due to crackdowns on illegal vape sales although the black market of illicit vape still exist Australia-wide.
For ex-smokers, regulated vaping products serve as a useful aid in their journey to quit smoking. Clinical practice guidelines from The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) suggest that vaping may be considered as a support option for those who have struggled to quit using first-line therapies. With proper medical guidance, vaping provides an alternative to traditional cigarettes, helping individuals manage nicotine withdrawal while avoiding the harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke.
How New Regulations Are Shaping the Trends
Australia’s tightening vaping laws in 2023 have had a major impact on both youth vaping and the broader market:
- - Restrictions on nicotine vape imports have disrupted the availability of unregulated, high-nicotine products that were widely accessible to young people.
- - Pharmacy-only access for nicotine vapes has reinforced the medical use of vaping, discouraging casual experimentation while maintaining support for ex-smokers.
- - Increased enforcement on illegal vape sales has led to fewer young people obtaining vapes through informal markets.
As a result, early indicators suggest a decline in youth vaping rates as access to illegal disposable vapes diminishes. While the long-term impact remains to be seen, one thing is clear—regulations are shifting the conversation, ensuring that vaping remains a tool for harm reduction rather than a gateway for non-smokers.
Looking Ahead
The decline in smoking rates is a major public health success, and with new regulations curbing youth vaping, Australia is reinforcing its commitment to harm reduction. However, it’s crucial to maintain a balanced conversation—one that protects young people from nicotine addiction while preserving access to vaping for those who genuinely need it to quit smoking.
At Quit Hero, we support responsible vaping practices and advocate for policies that distinguish between harm reduction for ex-smokers and unnecessary exposure for young non-smokers. As regulations continue to evolve, staying informed is key to navigating this changing landscape.
References:
https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/
https://www.tobaccoinaustralia.org.au/
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/smoking/young-peoples-vapes-e-cigarettes
