Australian Health Minister Mark Butler announced that these positive trends highlight the effectiveness of education and prevention campaigns, emphasizing the government's ongoing commitment to addressing vaping and smoking issues. Over 10 million illegal vapes have been seized in the past year as part of the government’s efforts to curb the rising trends in youth nicotine use.
The new laws banning the production, advertisement, and supply of single-use vapes came into force in July 2024, with nicotine vapes now only available through pharmacies with a prescription. However, a black market for these products continues to thrive in Australia despite government regulations.
In comparison, the UK introduced a similar ban on disposable vapes in June this year. While vaping is generally considered less harmful than traditional smoking due to the absence of tobacco, health experts warn that vaping carries its own risks, and the long-term consequences remain unknown. Recent initiatives have aimed to limit youth access to vaping products as health authorities express concern that vaping could create a new generation of nicotine-dependent individuals.
The latest survey found that 85.4% of participants aged 14 to 17 had never vaped, with only a third expressing interest in the practice, showcasing a decline in curiosity. Researchers noted a shift in societal attitudes towards vaping, with many current or former users confessing feelings of embarrassment or shame about their smoking habits.
Despite an increase in the age group’s awareness of the risks, youth continue to obtain vapes from tobacconists and specialty shops, suggesting a need for ongoing enforcement of the new laws. Butler remains optimistic, stating that he believes the "peak of vaping" has already passed in Australia, while also recognizing the ongoing challenges posed by illicit tobacco use, which accounts for more preventable deaths in the country than any other cause.
The new laws banning the production, advertisement, and supply of single-use vapes came into force in July 2024, with nicotine vapes now only available through pharmacies with a prescription. However, a black market for these products continues to thrive in Australia despite government regulations.
In comparison, the UK introduced a similar ban on disposable vapes in June this year. While vaping is generally considered less harmful than traditional smoking due to the absence of tobacco, health experts warn that vaping carries its own risks, and the long-term consequences remain unknown. Recent initiatives have aimed to limit youth access to vaping products as health authorities express concern that vaping could create a new generation of nicotine-dependent individuals.
The latest survey found that 85.4% of participants aged 14 to 17 had never vaped, with only a third expressing interest in the practice, showcasing a decline in curiosity. Researchers noted a shift in societal attitudes towards vaping, with many current or former users confessing feelings of embarrassment or shame about their smoking habits.
Despite an increase in the age group’s awareness of the risks, youth continue to obtain vapes from tobacconists and specialty shops, suggesting a need for ongoing enforcement of the new laws. Butler remains optimistic, stating that he believes the "peak of vaping" has already passed in Australia, while also recognizing the ongoing challenges posed by illicit tobacco use, which accounts for more preventable deaths in the country than any other cause.
