Australia’s youth smoking and vaping rates surge after vape ban
July 09, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu
Australia’s youth smoking and vaping rates surge after vape ban
Smoking and vaping rates among young Australians, particularly in the 18 to 24 age group, have surged despite a ban on vapes. Data shows 28% engage in smoking or vaping, with significant increases seen within a year. Vaping rates are at 20.5%, while cigarette use also rose. The ban on vapes has not curbed usage, leading to concerns of a shift to illicit tobacco products. Organized crime is thriving due to the rise in black market tobacco sales. Efforts to combat non-therapeutic vaping have had unintended consequences, with young adults being disproportionately affected. Illicit vape sales now outnumber legal ones in Australia.
11.00% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 2.4 million current smokers in Australia 12.90% of men are current smokers but only 9.30% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
