Youth Vaping Rates Decline by 28% in Ireland Following New Regulations

In a significant development concerning public health, the proportion of Irish youth aged 15 to 19 years who reported daily use of e-cigarettes fell by 28% from 2023 to 2024. According to the latest findings from the Healthy Ireland Survey, the daily vaping rate among this age group decreased from 12.9% to 9.3%, marking a notable shift in youth vaping behaviors.

The decline has been attributed largely to the implementation of a ban on sales of vaping products to individuals under the age of 18, enacted in December 2023. Lorraine Carolan, the national spokesperson for Responsible Vaping Ireland (RVI), commented on the survey results, stating, "The proof is in the punch – this significant drop in young people vaping tells us that the under-18 vape sales ban, which was only introduced in December 2023, is working." RVI, which represents vaping retailers across the country, had previously advocated for the ban, highlighting its potential to protect minors from the health risks associated with e-cigarette use.

Despite the positive trend, Carolan raised concerns regarding the enforcement of the new legislation. She noted that the Health Service Executive (HSE) has not allocated sufficient resources for compliance checks, with only 384 test purchase checks carried out in 2024 for both tobacco and vaping products. "The government’s priority in the months ahead must be ensuring full enforcement of the under-18s sales ban," she stressed.

Furthermore, the RVI has expressed apprehension about proposed legislation that would introduce further restrictions on vaping products, including potential bans on flavored e-cigarettes. Carolan warned that such measures could deter adult smokers from transitioning to vaping as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes and could adversely impact small businesses in the vaping sector. "We understand that the government is concerned about underage access to vapes, but the proposed bill’s plans to ban flavors could discourage adult smokers from switching and risks shuttering small businesses across the country," she added.

The Healthy Ireland Survey, conducted annually, serves as a barometer for health behaviors and attitudes among the Irish populace. The decline in vaping rates among youth may reflect broader public health initiatives aimed at reducing tobacco and e-cigarette use among minors. Previous studies have indicated a correlation between regulatory measures and reduced usage rates among adolescents, reinforcing the importance of continued advocacy and enforcement of health policies.

As the government deliberates on future vaping regulations, stakeholders from health organizations, the vaping industry, and public health advocacy groups will be vigilant in monitoring the impacts of these policies. The current data from the Healthy Ireland Survey not only underscores the effectiveness of existing regulations but also emphasizes the need for balanced approaches that safeguard both public health and economic interests in the vaping sector.

Looking ahead, the continued assessment of vaping trends among youth will be critical in shaping public health strategies and ensuring that measures taken are both effective and equitable. As the landscape of vaping regulations evolves, ongoing dialogue among policymakers, health experts, and industry representatives will be essential to navigate the complexities of vaping-related health risks and market dynamics.