There has been an increase in experimental vaping among 11-17-year-olds, from 7.7% last year to 11.6% this year, new data reveals.
A survey of 2,656 youngsters, carried out by YouGov for Action on Smoking and Health (Ash), shows that 40% of youngsters said they just wanted to give them a try, while 19% used them because they wanted to join in with others, and 14% said they like the flavours.
The data reveals that disposable vapes are the e-cigarette of choice among youngsters, last year 52% of respondents said they mostly used disposable vapes, and this has grown to 69% in 2023.
Of young people who currently vape, 72% usually buy vapes themselves, while 26% say they buy them from corner shops. Other places where vapes are bought by children include petrol stations or petrol station shops (9.4%) and online (7.6%).
Children who had seen vapes promoted online said they had seen them on TikTok (49%), YouTube (29%), Instagram (28%), and Snapchat (24%).
Deborah Arnott, Chief Executive of Ash, said: “We need to stem the tide of child vape experimentation and the government’s investment in a crackdown on illegal underage sales of vapes is a vital first step. But enforcement on its own won’t do the trick without tougher regulation to address the child-friendly promotion of these cheap and attractive products.
“The Ash youth survey demonstrates the rapid growth of in-store promotion of vapes, using brightly coloured pack displays, reminiscent of cigarette displays from yesteryear. The evidence is clear, government needs to take strong action to prevent the marketing of vapes to children.”
ACS Chief Executive James Lowman added: “The vaping market has grown significantly in recent years, particularly for single-use ‘disposable’ products. The vast majority of retailers selling these products are responsible, community retailers that have clear and robust age verification policies in place, but there remain some businesses that are falling short. We welcome tough enforcement against any retailer found to be selling vapes to people under 18.”
The data will be submitted as part of the government’s call for evidence on measures to reduce the number of children accessing vaping, while ensuring e-cigarettes can still be used by adults who want to quit smoking.
Earlier this week, Fife Council backed a nationwide disposable vape ban. Nine other councils, including Glasgow and Renfrewshire, have agreed to write to the Scottish government — which is reviewing the impact of single-use vapes — supporting a ban.
