UK Sees Sharp Decline in Young Smokers as Vaping Rises

New data shows smoking rates among young adults have more than halved in the past 12 years, while e-cigarette use continues to climb.

Smoking rates among UK adults have dropped to the lowest on record, with only 9.8% of 18-24 year-olds smoking in 2023, down from 25.7% in 2011.
The Office for National Statistics reports 15.8% of 16-24 year-olds used e-cigarettes daily or occasionally in 2023, more than doubling since 2020.
The UK government is planning to introduce the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to progressively increase the legal age for buying cigarettes, aiming for a smoke-free generation.
Despite the decline in smoking, experts express concern over the rising use of e-cigarettes among young people and non-smokers.
Public health advocates call for swift legislative action to regulate the marketing and sale of e-cigarettes, emphasizing their role in smoking cessation rather than as a lifestyle choice.