News
November 05, 2025
Vaping more popular than cigarettes for first time with 10% of Brit teens using them last year
VAPING has overtaken smoking in popularity among Brits for the first time, official figures show. Ten per cent of over-16s used e-cigarettes regularly last year compared to the nine per cent who still smoked fags. Vape use rose last year compared to 2023 while the “long-term trend” for ditching ciggies continued, said the Office for...
Vaping has officially surpassed smoking in popularity among teenagers and young adults in Britain, marking a significant shift in nicotine consumption habits. Official figures released by the Office for National Statistics reveal that 10 percent of individuals over the age of 16 regularly used e-cigarettes last year, exceeding the 9 percent who reported smoking traditional cigarettes. This milestone marks the first time vaping has outpaced smoking in the UK, signaling a potential turning point in public health trends.
The data indicates a clear upward trajectory in vape usage compared to figures from 2023. While specific numbers from the previous year weren't detailed, the report highlights a distinct rise in the adoption of e-cigarettes. Concurrently, the "long-term trend" of declining cigarette smoking prevalence continues, suggesting a gradual transition away from traditional tobacco products.
This shift raises several important questions about the implications for public health. While some experts view vaping as a less harmful alternative to smoking, it's important to note that e-cigarettes are not risk-free. Concerns remain about the potential long-term health effects of vaping, particularly on cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
Furthermore, the increasing popularity of vaping among younger generations has sparked worries about nicotine addiction and the possibility of a gateway effect, leading some individuals to eventually experiment with traditional cigarettes. Health officials are carefully monitoring these trends to assess the potential impact on public health outcomes and to inform future regulations and public awareness campaigns.
The Office for National Statistics' findings underscore the evolving landscape of nicotine consumption in Britain. As vaping continues to gain traction, it's crucial to prioritize comprehensive research, responsible regulation, and educational initiatives to ensure that individuals are fully informed about the potential risks and benefits of both vaping and smoking. The challenge lies in harnessing the potential of e-cigarettes as a tool for smoking cessation while mitigating the risks associated with nicotine addiction and preventing a new generation from becoming dependent on these products.
The data indicates a clear upward trajectory in vape usage compared to figures from 2023. While specific numbers from the previous year weren't detailed, the report highlights a distinct rise in the adoption of e-cigarettes. Concurrently, the "long-term trend" of declining cigarette smoking prevalence continues, suggesting a gradual transition away from traditional tobacco products.
This shift raises several important questions about the implications for public health. While some experts view vaping as a less harmful alternative to smoking, it's important to note that e-cigarettes are not risk-free. Concerns remain about the potential long-term health effects of vaping, particularly on cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
Furthermore, the increasing popularity of vaping among younger generations has sparked worries about nicotine addiction and the possibility of a gateway effect, leading some individuals to eventually experiment with traditional cigarettes. Health officials are carefully monitoring these trends to assess the potential impact on public health outcomes and to inform future regulations and public awareness campaigns.
The Office for National Statistics' findings underscore the evolving landscape of nicotine consumption in Britain. As vaping continues to gain traction, it's crucial to prioritize comprehensive research, responsible regulation, and educational initiatives to ensure that individuals are fully informed about the potential risks and benefits of both vaping and smoking. The challenge lies in harnessing the potential of e-cigarettes as a tool for smoking cessation while mitigating the risks associated with nicotine addiction and preventing a new generation from becoming dependent on these products.
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Politics