Vaping rates falling among young South Australians

New data shows vape use among young South Australians has significantly reduced thanks to world leading vaping laws.

The latest statistics from the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) found 2024 vaping rates among 15 to 29-year-olds reduced by around a third compared to 2023.

Vaping rates among the 30 to 59 age group also dropped by around half, while overall, vaping rates for people aged 15 and above were reduced by more than a third.

It comes as suspensions relating to vaping at South Australian schools have dropped by 50 per cent. In Term 1 of 2023 there were 388 suspensions compared to 186 in Term 1 of 2024. A trend of greater than 50 per cent has continued throughout terms 2 and 3 of 2024 compared to 2023.

The latest national research from the Cancer Council’s Generation Vape study, also shows the number of young people aged 14 to 17 who vape is in decline.

This data showed the largest proportion of ‘never-vapers’ since the study began in 2022, with 85 per cent of people aged 14 to 17 reporting they had never vaped.

The proportion of young people who have never smoked is also at its highest rate at almost 94 per cent.

Young people are more aware than ever before of the dangers of vaping, with 82 per cent recognising vapes are unsafe and 87 per cent agreeing vaping can be addictive.

"The uptake of vaping among young people is extremely concerning and while it is pleasing to see rates have reduced, it is critical we remain proactive in addressing this issue in the community," said Marina Bowshall, Preventive Health SA Chief Executive.

"We are working with the Department for Education on an education campaign, resources, and staff training as part of a comprehensive strategy to stamp out smoking and vaping among young people or prevent them from taking it up in the first place."

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (the TGA) is working closely with state and territory agencies to address the unlawful supply of vaping goods and in a joint enforcement operation between the TGA and South Australian Consumer and Business Services in December 2024, more than 60 retail businesses were investigated and infringement notices totalling more than $150,000 were issued to eight businesses.

South Australia has some of the toughest penalties of any state or territory in the country against the sale of illegal vapes and tobacco, with fines of up to $1.5 million for those caught selling.

Anyone wanting support to quit smoking or vaping is encouraged to reach out to a health professional or call the Quitline on 137848 (13QUIT).