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.
Overview
- 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.