Vaping among Australian teenagers appears to be decreasing, new research shows, marking a significant shift one year after the government enforced a ban on disposable vapes.
According to the Generation Vape study by Cancer Council Australia, the percentage of 14- to 17-year-olds who vape dropped from 17.5% in early 2023 to 14.6% by April 2025. The report also found that vaping rates among Australians aged 15 and older declined by more than a third over the same period.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler praised the trend, stating that Australia has reached a turning point in tackling youth vaping. Over the past year, more than 10 million illegal vaping devices have been confiscated across the country.
“Our public awareness campaigns and support services aimed at discouraging vaping and helping people quit are clearly having an impact,” said Butler in a statement.
New Regulations and Enforcement
As of July 2024, new national laws prohibit the manufacturing, importing, advertising, and sale of single-use vapes. Only prescription nicotine vapes obtained from pharmacies remain legal. Despite this, the black market for vapes has remained active and widespread.
Australia’s policy direction mirrors that of the UK, which also implemented a ban on disposable vapes starting June 2025.
While vaping is considered less harmful than smoking due to the absence of tobacco, health professionals warn that vaping still carries risks. The long-term health effects remain unclear, and both Australia and the UK have raised concerns about the high uptake of vaping among teenagers.
Shifting Teen Attitudes
The Generation Vape survey, which gathered responses from around 3,000 teens aged 14 to 17, found that 85.4% had never used a vape, and fewer than one-third said they were curious to try one—a noticeable decline in interest.
Researchers also noted a change in how young people perceive vaping. Interviews revealed that many teens who have vaped—either currently or in the past—described feelings of shame or regret tied to their vaping habits.
Access to vapes has become more restricted, with fewer teens reporting that they can buy them directly. However, specialty vape shops and tobacconists continue to be primary sources of these products, despite legal barriers.
Ongoing Efforts and Health Priorities
Speaking to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Butler expressed optimism, suggesting the country may have moved past its peak in vaping use. “This is a tough battle, and there’s still more to be done—not just in vaping, but in curbing illegal tobacco use too,” he said.
Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in Australia, responsible for over 24,000 deaths annually despite the country’s robust anti-smoking policies.
