Recent research conducted among Victorian adolescents aged 12 to 17 offers valuable insights into young people's perceptions of vaping risks and their attitudes towards e-cigarettes. This study, undertaken in 2022-2023, surveyed over 1,700 students to understand how demographic factors, peer influence, and exposure to marketing shape their views.

Key Findings on Perceptions and Attitudes

  • A large majority of students (over 86%) recognised that vaping is harmful and addictive, and that e-cigarettes contain nicotine and other harmful substances.
  • Approximately 69% agreed that inhaling vapour from others’ e-cigarettes could affect their health.
  • Female students generally perceived vaping harms more strongly than males.
  • Those who had vaped in the past month showed weaker agreement with the harmfulness of vaping compared to those who had never vaped or were not susceptible.
  • Overall, attitudes towards e-cigarettes were more negative than positive among adolescents.

Influencing Factors on Attitudes

The study identified several factors associated with more favourable attitudes towards e-cigarettes, including younger age, susceptibility to vaping, and having close friends who vape. Exposure to e-cigarette advertising was linked to perceptions that vaping looks appealing and encourages use and purchase.

These findings support ongoing government measures in Australia aimed at limiting e-cigarette advertising and restricting retail access to reduce youth uptake. They also highlight the importance of targeted educational campaigns to inform young people about vaping risks.

Implications for UK Tobacco Regulation and Education

While this research focuses on Australian adolescents, the insights are relevant to the UK context where tobacco and nicotine products, including e-cigarettes, are age-restricted and regulated to protect public health. Continued monitoring of youth attitudes and perceptions is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of policies and educational efforts.

For those interested in tobacco product research, regulation, and community perspectives, Cigarettes & Baccy provides ongoing coverage and expert analysis on these topics within the UK market.

Editorial note: Tobacco and nicotine products are age-restricted and harmful to health.