Rise in E-cigarette Use Among Australian Youth Concerns Parents

According to an article from The Guardian on October 24th, a recent study has revealed that over one-third of Australian young people are using e-cigarettes, while nearly three-quarters of parents suspect their children are using them as well. The easy accessibility of e-cigarettes for teenagers has led to a misconception among the public that these products are harmless.

The latest data from the ongoing national "Generation Vape" study conducted by the Cancer Council of Australia was released this Wednesday, revealing insights into the knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of young people towards e-cigarettes. The survey, which included 1,700 teenagers aged 14 to 17 and 6,500 young adults aged 18 to 24, has provided new findings on this trend.

A recent study has revealed that more than one-third (36%) of young people are e-cigarette users, and nearly three-quarters (73%) of those who have used e-cigarettes are aware of their nicotine content.

A study also surveyed 2,500 parents, revealing that nearly three-quarters (72%) of parents suspect their children have used disposable e-cigarettes. Four-fifths (82%) of parents stated that preventing their children from vaping is their top priority. Among 1,300 teachers in New South Wales, three-quarters (76%) believe preventing students from using e-cigarettes is their main focus.

In addition, the study also found that one-third of adolescents who have never used e-cigarettes are curious about them.

In May of this year, the Australian Minister for Health, Mark Butler, announced a ban on the importation of e-cigarettes and e-cigarette products containing nicotine or without nicotine. Only licensed pharmacists will be allowed to sell these products to individuals with a prescription from a doctor. This regulation will force e-cigarette shops to shut down, and other retailers will have to remove all e-cigarette products from their inventory.