AMA welcomes report showing teenage vaping has ‘turned a corner’ in Australia
The Australian Medical Association has welcomed new data showing a significant decline in vaping rates among Australian teenagers, describing the findings as a “turning point in youth health” and a testament to the power of strong policy, education, and community awareness.
Data released by Health Minister Mark Butler on Wednesday shows vaping rates among children aged 14–17 years have fallen from 17.5 per cent at the start of 2023 to 14.6 per cent in April this year.
The figures are drawn from the Cancer Council’s latest Generation Vape research, which is considered the most comprehensive survey on vaping in Australia. The “eighth wave” of data includes responses from about 3,000 young people and shows a broader decline in vaping across all age groups.
AMA Vice President Associate Professor Julian Rait described the findings as “deeply encouraging”.
“We’re witnessing a real shift in behaviour and attitudes, and these results mark a significant step forward in protecting young Australians from the harms of vaping,” Associate Professor Rait said.
“We’re seeing fewer teens picking up vapes, less curiosity about vaping, and a growing sense of embarrassment around being a ‘vaper’. That signals a real cultural change — and that’s a win for families, schools, and communities.”
Among the most promising findings are:
- Vaping rates among Australians aged over 15 have reduced by more than a third.
- Vaping among adults aged 30–59 has halved.
- Exposure to vaping content on major social media platforms has dramatically decreased.
- Fewer teens are purchasing vapes themselves, and curiosity about vaping continues to decline — with fewer than one-third expressing any interest in vaping.
“The message is getting through,” Associate Professor Rait said.
“Teens are telling us vaping is no longer seen as cool or aspirational; that it’s not something ‘everyone does’ anymore. It’s a turning point in how young Australians view vaping — and a major stride for public health.”
The AMA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting evidence-based strategies to reduce youth vaping and smoking, and called for continued vigilance as new products and marketing tactics emerge.
“This is not the time to take our foot off the pedal,” Associate Professor Rait said.
“We’ve made significant progress, but we must keep pushing forward to protect the health of the next generation.”
