Australian health experts warn that youth smoking rates are expected to soar this year as young adults transition from heavily marketed illegal vapes to cheap illicit cigarettes amid ongoing government retail crackdowns.
- The Gateway Effect: Young people who use vapes are five times more likely to eventually take up traditional smoking.
- Market Shift: As state governments crack down on illegal convenience store vapes, price-sensitive youths are turning to the booming illicit tobacco market.
- Demographic Divide: While cigarette smoking rates vary drastically based on wealth and geography, youth-driven vaping rates remain uniformly in the single digits nationwide.
University of Sydney public health researchers have warned that Australia is on the brink of a youth smoking epidemic. Driven by the widespread availability of illegal, flavored vapes marketed heavily on social media, young adults under 25 are increasingly getting hooked on nicotine, directly leading to a transition to traditional cigarettes.
Professor Becky Freeman, author of the Generation Vape study, noted that young people initially took up vaping out of curiosity and a desire for sweet flavors, viewing it as distinct from their "grandfather’s disgusting, stinky cigarette." However, as state governments intensify crackdowns on illegal vapes at convenience stores, these nicotine-addicted youths are expected to switch to cigarettes in greater numbers.
“They were the first group of teenagers to take up vaping and if you vape, you are five times more likely to go on to smoke,” Professor Freeman stated, expressing deep concern over the anticipated spike in young adult smoking rates.
The transition is being accelerated by an explosion in the illicit tobacco market. While legal cigarettes incur a hefty $1.53 tax per stick, cheap illegal tobacco is undermining these price barriers, making cigarettes highly accessible to price-sensitive young people.
Currently, legal vapes in Australia are restricted to pharmacies as smoking cessation aids and are limited to mint or tobacco flavors. In stark contrast, the black market offers over 9,000 flavors, ranging from gummy bear to raspberry cordial, specifically targeting a youth demographic that has never smoked.
Recent 2022 data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)—recorded prior to the 2024 ban on non-therapeutic vapes—highlights a fascinating demographic trend. While smoking rates are heavily dictated by wealth and location, vaping rates remain uniformly low across all regions due to its concentration among young adults.
| Location | Demographic Profile | Smoking Rate | Vaping Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Beach (Perth) | Wealthy / Urban | 2.6% | 2.2% |
| Turramurra (Sydney) | Wealthy / Urban | 3.1% | 3.1% |
| Toorak (Melbourne) | Wealthy / Urban | 4.6% | 2.9% |
| South Hedland (WA) | Regional / Remote | 28.9% | 6.2% |
| Port Augusta (SA) | Regional / Remote | 31.6% | 4.4% |
| Moulden (NT) | Regional / Remote | 31.8% | 5.3% |
Despite the initial appeal of vaping, it is rarely utilized as a quitting tool by this demographic. Furthermore, the health risks are becoming increasingly apparent, with a recent University of New South Wales study establishing a link between nicotine-based vapes and lung and oral cancers.
Vape Lifestyle & Advocacy Blogger
Chloe Evans, widely known as "CloudChaser Chloe," is a prominent voice in the global vaping community, celebrated for her vibrant personality and keen focus on the lifestyle aspects of vaping. Based in the creative hub of Portland, Oregon, Chloe's content blends fashion, art, and harm reduction, offering a fresh perspective on the vaping world. She aims to demystify vaping for adult consumers and challenge outdated perceptions, promoting a responsible and enjoyable experience.