EXCLUSIVE: We reveal huge spike in number of young people vaping in the UK

A survey of 2000 young people has shown there's been a rapid increase in the number of 16-25 year olds who are vaping.

Vaping is the process of inhaling nicotine vapour through an e-cigarette, rather than smoking it through a traditional cigarette.

44% of those surveyed had done it in the last year, equivalent to around 3.5m young people across the UK population.

In 2021, the number was just 15% - three times lower than 2022's figures.

Rise in e-cigarette use

So called e-cigarettes contain nicotine, along with other chemicals and flavourings, and are thought to be less damaging than their tobacco equivalent - although they are still addictive.

The NHS warns "the long-term risks of vaping are not yet clear" and some organisations are concerned about how widespread there use has become.

Charity The Mix, who released the data, says e-cigarettes or vaping products are now widely available and very accessible to young people, and that vaping is perceived as fashionable because of the wide choice of flavours and colours available.

They also warn vaping is often seen as a healthier and better alternative to smoking, although cigarette use has also increased in the same time period.

How many young people have vaped in the last year?

The survey also found:

• 36% of females surveyed said they'd vaped in the month before the survey
• Compared to 28% of males
• Almost half (49%) of employed young people vaped in the last year
• Vaping was just as popular among 16-20 yr olds, compared with 21-25 yr olds
• The North East had the highest prevalence of people trying vaping at 47%.
• In the North West of England it was 39%, compared with 40% in Scotland, 44% in NI and 45% in Wales.

One in five vaping through habit

Zoe Bailie, Deputy CEO said, “The sharp increase we have seen in the number of young people vaping is concerning, especially considering the lack of knowledge and public awareness about the long-term health impacts.

"It is particularly worrying that 20% of young people vaping are doing so as a habit. We need to ensure that young people are given factual and non-judgemental information and resources about vaping and how it could affect them.

"We also need to consider what legal restrictions could be put in place to prohibit the marketing of vaping to young people.”

Get more information about vaping on The Mix's website and check out Talk to Frank's guide to get clued up about why people do it.

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