Increase in Teen Use of E-Cigarettes: Study Finds.

Sep.05.2022
Increase in Teen Use of E-Cigarettes: Study Finds.
New study finds high rates of e-cigarette use among Irish teenagers who have never smoked before.

A study has shown that a significant number of teenagers trying out e-cigarettes have never smoked before. Researchers from the Irish Cancer Society found that the proportion of 16 and 17-year-olds who have tried e-cigarettes has increased from 23% in 2014 to 39% in 2019.


According to a recent survey, 39% of teenagers have tried e-cigarettes, while 32% have tried traditional cigarettes. Of those who have tried e-cigarettes, 68% have never tried traditional tobacco products.


According to data from thousands of adolescents, the main reasons for trying electronic cigarettes among teenagers are curiosity (66%) and their friends using e-cigarettes (29%), with only 3% of respondents stating that they wanted to quit smoking.


Meanwhile, researchers have found that young individuals with parents who smoke are 55% more likely to try electronic cigarettes.


According to Professor Luke Clancy, director of the research institute, "We have found that more and more Irish teenagers are using e-cigarettes, which is a phenomenon occurring in other parts of the world as well. People believe that e-cigarettes are a better choice than smoking, but our research shows that this does not apply to teenagers who have not tried cigarettes before using e-cigarettes.


Chief Researcher Joan Hanafin stated, "The number of young people using electronic cigarettes is rapidly changing, so it is important that we continue to monitor the situation in Ireland and around the world. We also plan to conduct research on social media to understand how it affects teenage e-cigarette behavior.


Professor Jonathan Grigg, Chairman of the Tobacco Control Committee of the European Respiratory Society, has stated: "This applies not only to Irish teenagers but also to families around the world".


Earlier this year, another report by Action on Smoking and Health concluded that the proportion of children vaping is on the rise, with many being influenced by social media websites such as TikTok.


Disclaimer: 1. The content of this article is compiled from third-party information and is only for industry communication and learning. 2. This article does not represent the views of 2FIRSTS, and 2FIRSTS cannot confirm the truthfulness and accuracy of the article. The compilation of this article is only for communication and research within the industry. 3. Due to limitations in the level of compilation, the compiled article may not fully correspond to the original text, so please refer to the original text. 4. For any statements and positions concerning domestic, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and foreign affairs, 2FIRSTS is fully aligned with the Chinese government. 5. The copyright of the compiled information belongs to the original media and author. If there is any infringement, please contact us for removal.



Disclaimer

This article is provided solely for professional research, industry discussion, and informational purposes. Any references to brands, companies, products, technologies, or policies are made for factual reporting and analytical purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, promotion, or advertising by 2Firsts.

Nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, carry significant health risks. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including age restrictions and access limitations.

The information contained in this article should not be regarded as investment, legal, medical, regulatory, or commercial advice. While 2Firsts strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content, it does not assume liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance on the information contained herein.

This article is not intended for individuals below the legal age for accessing tobacco or nicotine-related information in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright Notice

This article is either original content produced by 2Firsts or content reproduced, translated, summarized, or adapted from third-party sources with attribution where applicable. The intellectual property rights of the original content remain with 2Firsts or the respective original rights holders.

No individual or organization may copy, reproduce, distribute, republish, modify, translate, or otherwise use this content without prior authorization. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action.

For copyright-related inquiries, corrections, or removal requests, please contact: info@2firsts.com.

 

AI-Assisted Translation and Editing Notice

Portions of this article may have been translated, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and readability. Due to the limitations of AI-assisted translation and editing, discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies may exist when compared with the original source.

Where applicable, readers are advised to refer to the original source for the most complete and accurate information. If you identify any errors or believe that any content infringes upon your rights, please contact us at info@2firsts.com, and we will review and address the matter promptly.

U.S. Convenience Stores Rebalance Backbar as Nicotine Pouches Outpace Cigarettes
U.S. Convenience Stores Rebalance Backbar as Nicotine Pouches Outpace Cigarettes
As cigarette volumes continue to decline, U.S. convenience-store operators are reconfiguring backbar space to accommodate modern oral nicotine products such as nicotine pouches. Industry data show nicotine pouches have become one of the fastest-growing nicotine categories while generating higher margins for retailers.
Jun.12
  South Korea Reopens Cigarette Tax Debate as 63% Back Higher Tobacco Taxes
South Korea Reopens Cigarette Tax Debate as 63% Back Higher Tobacco Taxes
South Korea’s cigarette tax debate has resurfaced after the Ministry of Health and Welfare said tobacco price policy needed review, with a poll showing 63% of respondents support higher tobacco taxes.
Regulations
Jun.22
U.S. Military Nicotine Policy Sparks Debate as Nicotine Pouches Enter Discussion
U.S. Military Nicotine Policy Sparks Debate as Nicotine Pouches Enter Discussion
An opinion article published by Stars and Stripes argued that the Pentagon’s January nicotine clinical guidelines overemphasize abstinence, fail to reflect the reality that about 30% of active-duty personnel use nicotine, and do not address nicotine pouches as potential harm-reduction products.
Industry Insight
Jun.08
New West Virginia Vape Law Begins, With Packaging and Ad Restrictions Ahead
New West Virginia Vape Law Begins, With Packaging and Ad Restrictions Ahead
West Virginia’s Vape Safety Act will take effect Thursday, requiring vapor products sold in vape and smoke shops to carry health warnings, legal-age notices, manufacturer information and ingredient disclosures, while introducing new licensing and enforcement rules.
Jun.10
Australia Quantifies Black Market for First Time, Illicit Nicotine Products Account for About 80% of Consumption
Australia Quantifies Black Market for First Time, Illicit Nicotine Products Account for About 80% of Consumption
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released its first estimate of the illicit nicotine market, finding that about 80% of cigarettes, vapes and other nicotine products consumed in 2025 came from illegal sources, reigniting debate over tobacco taxation and enforcement policies.
Jun.03
Japan’s Heated Tobacco Tax Reform Drives Price Increase as JT Raises All Ploom Sticks by ¥40
Japan’s Heated Tobacco Tax Reform Drives Price Increase as JT Raises All Ploom Sticks by ¥40
Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) has applied to Japan’s finance minister for approval to revise retail prices of its Ploom heated tobacco sticks following planned changes to the heated tobacco tax system from October 1, 2026. If approved, all 31 Ploom stick products will increase by ¥40. After the adjustment, EVO products will cost ¥620 per 20-stick pack, MEVIUS products ¥590 and CAMEL products ¥570. JT said the price revision is intended to respond to tax changes while maintaining product quality and brand value. The tax reform is expected to narrow the tax gap between combustible cigarettes and heated tobacco products, potentially reshaping pricing strategies in Japan’s heated tobacco market.
Jul.22