In the United Kingdom, the use of electronic cigarettes increasing among youth

Vape: young British use more and more electronic cigarettes

The committee ASH Smokefree in Great Britain has published a study on the use of electronic cigarettes among young people. From this study, the following observations emerged:

  • A large majority of 11-17 year olds have never tried or are not familiar with e-cigarettes (83.8%).
  • By 2022, 15.8% of 11-17 year olds had tried e-cigarettes, compared to 11.2% by 2021.
  • In 2022, 7.0% of 11-17 year olds were regular users, compared to 3.3% in 2021.
  • Youth under age 16 are the least likely to try e-cigarettes. Among 18-year-olds, 40.8% report having tried an e-cigarette.
  • In 2022, for the first time, the most frequently used product is the disposable e-cigarette (52.0% versus 7.7% in 2021).

In conclusion, e-cigarette use increased in 2022 compared to 2021. However, use among never smokers remains low and mostly experimental. While the large increase in disposable use has occurred in parallel with the prevalence of e-cig among youth, the survey does not prove a causal link. However, continued monitoring is still needed.

Action on Smoking and Health (ASH). Use of e-cigarettes (vapes) among young people in Great Britain. 2022.

© Photo credit: Ruslan Alekso