Person holding a vape in hands.
Person holding a vape in hands. E-cigarette use is seen as widespread, common and normal among young Australians even though hard data indicate that the clear majority of teens have not vaped, a first-of-its-kind study from The Australian National University (ANU) shows. The study's findings confirm that young Australians overestimate vaping's overall popularity. Until now, no studies in Australia have explored social norms concerning e-cigarettes among adolescents aged 14 to 17 years. The study, which examined the views of young Australians in New South Wales, is part of the Generation Vape research project, led by the Cancer Council NSW and the University of Sydney. Lead author and ANU PhD candidate, Amelia Yazidjoglou, said that perceptions around vaping are linked with e-cigarette initiation and future use, and although adolescents are particularly susceptible to the health impacts of e-cigarettes and their use is increasing , little evidence on adolescent social norms exists. "Understanding social norms is crucial as they are a big driver of behaviour. There is little research internationally, particularly in adolescents, and no Australian study has explored adolescent norms in depth," she said. "Before you can make any targeted health campaigns, you need to know about these norms and what's influencing adolescent behaviour." Participants described e-cigarette use as common, with abstinence considered atypical.
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