Has vaping among school-age children reduced since Australia banned it?
What's the story
A study conducted by the Cancer Council of Australia has revealed a significant decline in vaping among school-age children, a year after it was banned. The research, part of the Generation Vape Research Project, surveyed 3,000 young Australians and found that vaping rates among those aged 14-17 years dropped from 17.5% at the start of 2023 to 14% by April this year.
Broader impact
More than 1-third drop in smoking rates
Overall, the study noted a one-third drop in smoking rates among people over 15 years of age. Vaping rates among those aged 30-59 years fell by nearly half during the same period. These changes are attributed to a year-long campaign against illegal vape sales and education efforts on health risks associated with vaping. "Vaping rates for young Australians have now turned the corner," Australian Health Minister Mark Butler said on Wednesday.
Crackdown efforts
Illegal vapes still 'leak' through the border
Despite the crackdown, Butler said illegal vapes still "leak" through the border. He said authorities have seized over 10 million illegal vapes in the past year. The Therapeutic Goods Authority and Australian Border Force (ABF) confiscated these products, worth around half a billion dollars. Other seizures included 2.5 billion cigarette sticks and 435 tons of illicit tobacco.
Legislative changes
Australia banned importation of disposable vapes in 2024
In January 2024, Australia banned the importation of disposable vapes. The new laws restrict vape sales to pharmacies with ID checks and require prescriptions for anyone purchasing nicotine vapes. Advertising for vaping products is also banned under these rules. However, under-the-counter sales are common, with experts warning that high legal cigarette prices and vaping regulations have resulted in a surge in black market trading.
Mixed results
Report found over 85% young people never having vaped
The report also found some positive trends, such as over 85% of young people never having vaped and smoking levels at their lowest. Curiosity about vaping is declining, with less than a third of young people interested in trying it. It also discovered that societal standards are changing. Several individuals expressed embarrassment about their habit, stating that they did not want to be labeled a "vaper."