Number Of Children Vaping Rises 50 Per Cent In A Year

The number of children trying vaping has risen by 50 per cent, according to a new study. Data shows an increase in experimental vaping among 11 to 17-year-olds, from 7.7 per cent last year to 11.6 per cent this year.

- JOSEPH RACHMAN

While it is illegal to sell vapes to people under the age of 18, social media shows posts from teenagers with vapes and discussing flavours such as pink lemonade, strawberry, banana and mango. Experts are now sounding the alarm and calling for the government to crack down on the spread of vaping among children.

The number of children who said they had tried vaping once or twice roughly doubled in nine years, rising from 5.6 per cent in 2014 to 11.6 per cent this year. Disposable vapes appear to be the e-cigarette of choice among youngsters. Experts have warned previously how the new generation of disposable vapes known as “puff bars” – which contain nicotine – have flooded the market.

This is borne out by the latest survey, with Elf Bar being the most popular brand of disposable among children who vape, followed by Lost Mary, Elux, Geek Bar and Crystal. In 2021, current child vapers were least likely to vape disposables (7.7 per cent) but in 2022 they became the most used (52 per cent) and this has continued to grow to 69 per cent in 2023.

The latest survey of 2,656 youngsters was carried out by YouGov in March and April for Action on Smoking and Health (Ash). It 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.