Teenage Smoking Rates on the Rise in Australia: A Warning Sign for Public Health

Strategic Insights -

The trend of declining teenage smoking rates in Australia appears to be reversing, with a disturbing threefold increase in the proportion of 14- to 17-year-olds smoking tobacco over the past four years. An analysis by Cancer Council Victoria's Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer revealed that the proportion of teenagers smoking tobacco rose from 2.1% in 2018 to 6.7% in 2022. The research also highlighted a sharp increase in e-cigarette use, with fewer than 1% of teenagers reporting vaping in 2018, compared to 11.8% in 2022 and 14.5% in early 2023. This alarming trend threatens decades of progress made to reduce smoking rates among young people.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proportion of 14- to 17-year-olds smoking tobacco has increased threefold from 2.1% in 2018 to 6.7% in 2022.
  • The share of people using both e-cigarettes and tobacco has increased across all age groups, with the steepest rises for those under 35.
  • The percentage of 14- to 17-year-olds who smoke and vape has increased from 0.3% in 2018 to 4.4% in 2022.
  • The rise in vaping is likely to be a gateway to smoking, as those who vape are three times as likely to take up smoking later.
  • The earlier a person starts experimenting with cigarettes, the greater their likelihood of becoming a regular, long-term user.
  • Up to two in three long-term users of cigarettes will die from smoking-related illnesses.

Statistics:

  • 2.1% of 14- to 17-year-olds reported smoking tobacco in 2018.
  • 6.7% of 14- to 17-year-olds reported smoking tobacco in 2022.
  • Fewer than 1% of 14- to 17-year-olds reported vaping in 2018.
  • 11.8% of 14- to 17-year-olds reported vaping in 2022.
  • 14.5% of 14- to 17-year-olds reported vaping in early 2023.
  • Between 2018 and 2022, the proportion of Australians smoking or vaping rose from 12.8% to 16.5%.

Sources:

  • Cancer Council Victoria's Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer report
  • Cancer Council Australia chief executive Prof Tanya Buchanan
  • Australian National University public health physician Emily Banks