Fewer teens vaping, but concern remains for children as young as 10
November 25, 2024 by rnz.co.nz
Fewer teens vaping, but concern remains for children as young as 10
A recent survey by the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation indicates a decline in teenage vaping rates but still highlights concerns. While 12% of 10 to 18-year-olds vape weekly, down from 27% in 2021, younger students are being exposed. Of worry is the 3.7% of 10 to 12-year-olds and about 9% of 13 to 15-year-olds vaping. However, older students' vaping is increasing, with 20% of 15 to 16-year-olds and 26% of 17 to 18-year-olds reporting weekly vaping, suggesting nicotine addiction. Efforts are underway to regulate vaping, given its negative health impacts, disparities among different ethnicities, and government initiatives to curb youth vaping through stricter laws.
8.30% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 420,745 current smokers in New Zealand.
SOURCE: GSTHR
