Youth vaping prevalence remains unchanged, NHS survey shows

A quarter of 11 to 15-year-olds have tried vaping and nearly 1 in 10 (9%) do it frequently, according to new statistics published Friday.

The Smoking, drinking and drug use among young people in England report for 2023, published by NHS, showed regular or occasional vaping in high school children had increased from 6 per cent in 2018, but has been same as in 2021 (9%).

Earlier in August, an annual survey by public health charity ASH, examining the vaping behaviour of 11-17-year-olds, has also revealed that the rate of youth vaping has stabilised in Britain.

The NHS report also shows only 11 per cent of young people have smoked at least once, the lowest level recorded by the survey.

Andrew Gwynne, minister for public health and prevention, said the youth vaping numbers are “very worrying”.

“Through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, we will stop vapes from being deliberately branded to target children, protecting future generations from becoming hooked on nicotine and ensuring the next generation grows up smoke and vape free,” Gwynne added.

The report also includes results from a biennial survey of secondary school pupils in England in school years 7 to 11, with questions on smoking, drinking and drug use as well as wellbeing and anxiety.

For the first time, this year’s survey asked pupils about loneliness, with 10 per cent of participants saying they felt lonely often or all the time, and 18 per cent said they often felt they had no one to talk to.

The statistics also showed that the number of young people taking drugs has also decreased, with 13 per cent of pupils reported having ever taken drugs, compared to 18 per cent in 2021.

More than a third of pupils (37%) said they had ever had an alcoholic drink, which was a similar level to 2021.