Vaping Overtakes Smoking in South Australian Youth

A man smokes an electronic cigarette in Chicago on April 23, 2014. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Nam Y. Huh, File

Smoking may be decreasing in popularity among young South Australians, but vaping appears to be significantly increasing.

A 2022-23 survey conducted by the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute has revealed a severe uptake in vaping among young people in South Australia (SA).

The survey found that the vaping rate among 15 to 29-year-olds had increased from 8.4 percent in 2022 to 15.1 percent in 2023.

In contrast, the rate of smoking in the same age group was found to be 8.7 percent in 2023, indicating that vaping has largely overtaken smoking in popularity amongst young South Australians.

The study surveyed 3,000 people across SA to guide tobacco control strategies amidst the rise in e-cigarette use.

South Australian Prevention Response

“This new survey result shows the very real danger vaping poses to our kids in South Australia,” Health Minister Chris Picton said in a statement on June 22, according to the Australian Associated Press.

South Australia has invested $16 million (US$11 million) for enforcement officers to crack down on illegal suppliers of tobacco and vapes from July 1.

“The rise in vaping among young people in just one year is extremely concerning and we know this is probably the tip of the iceberg,” SA Preventative Health interim chief executive Marina Bowhsall said.

“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 rise in young South Australians using vapes is concerning, but it is not an individual issue. Australia as a nation has seen an uptake in vape use among young people.

The 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS) found that 21 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds reported current use of e-cigarettes. In 2019, that number was 5.3 percent, demonstrating a four-fold increase.

The rise in vape use since 2019 was also observed in 14- to 17-year-olds. The NDSHS demonstrated a three-fold increase in people aged 14-17 who had used an e-cigarette at least once in their lifetime, jumping from 9.6 percent to 28 percent.

Australia has implemented changes such as banning the importation, manufacture, supply and commercial possession of single-use vapes and it has also launched an advertising campaign.

The campaign cost $63 million (US$42 million) and is featured on television and social media with the intent to discourage vaping in younger populations.

The federal government also banned imported disposable, single-use vapes on Jan. 1 as one measure to address the surge in vaping among young Australians.