New Data Shows Stable Vaping Rates Among Young People in Great Britain, But Concerns Remain Over Increase in “Ever Smokers”
The DSM Foundation, a leading charity focused on drug education, has welcomed the latest data released by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) regarding vaping rates among young people aged 11-17 in Great Britain. The YouGov survey, which polled 2,746 individuals in this age group, reveals that while rates of “ever vaping,” “current vaping,” and “regular vaping” have plateaued, there has been a concerning increase in the number of young people identifying as “ever smokers.”
According to the survey, 21% of young people aged 11-17 now identify as “ever smokers,” up from 14% in 2023. This trend is alarming, and the DSM Foundation echoes ASH’s concern over this increase. However, the survey also showed that rates of vaping have remained stable among this age group, with 20% reporting having ever tried vaping, 7% currently vaping, and 4% regularly vaping. These behaviors are more prevalent among current or former smokers, and overall smoking rates among young people remain low.
The survey also highlighted that among younger respondents aged 11-15, only 16% reported having ever tried vaping, a figure that has remained consistent in recent years. Notably, 95% of this group do not currently vape, underscoring the relative rarity of regular use among younger teens.
The survey was conducted prior to the UK-wide ban on disposable vapes enacted on June 1, 2025, which may have impacted the results. Disposable devices remained the most commonly used, although popularity dropped from 69% in 2023 to 42% in 2025. When asked how they would respond to the ban, 25% said they would stop vaping altogether, while 59% indicated they would continue, with 67% planning to switch to reusable devices and 44% saying they would turn to illicit disposable products.
One of the most concerning findings of the survey was that nearly half of youth vapers (47%) reported experiencing strong or very strong urges to vape, a significant increase from 26% in 2020. This suggests a rise in dependence among young people. Additionally, around 30% admitted to using nicotine concentrations at or above the adult legal limit (20mg/ml), while a similar proportion were unsure or declined to disclose their usual strength.
Social influence continues to play a dominant role in young people’s vaping habits, with over three-quarters receiving their first vape from someone they know, typically a friend. Despite legal restrictions, 46% of underage vapers said they had purchased devices from shops, while 25% sourced them informally.
The survey also highlighted the continued exposure to promotional content, with 55% reporting seeing vape advertising in shops and 29% encountering promotions online, most commonly on TikTok, followed by YouTube and Instagram.
Fiona Spargo-Mabbs OBE, founder and director of the DSM Foundation, commented on the survey, saying, “This annual survey by ASH is such a valuable insight for us as a drug education charity into trends in young people’s experiences of vaping and smoking. It enables us to ensure our provision is relevant, current, and of use to young people – and the adults in their lives – when it comes to managing decisions that affect their health and wellbeing. With such significant shifts in policy relating to vaping, as well as in public perceptions and attitudes to vaping, smoking, and other nicotine products, having current data is so important. Seeing this rise in young people smoking after so many years of steady low numbers highlights this importance – this is a real concern that we need to respond to urgently.”
The DSM Foundation was established in 2014 following the death of 16-year-old Daniel Spargo-Mabbs from an accidental overdose of ecstasy. The charity aims to provide young people with relevant, age-appropriate, up-to-date, and evidence-based information about drugs, so they can make informed decisions to keep themselves and their friends safe. Currently, the charity works with almost 750 schools, colleges, and community organizations, providing workshops for students, parents and caregivers, and training for school and college staff. The charity also offers “I Love You Mum, I Promise I Won’t Die,” a verbatim play by Mark Wheeller that tells Dan’s story through the words of his family and friends. Schools and colleges can also access free, age-appropriate, and evidence-based drugs education lesson resources from the DSM Foundation website for delivery by teachers through PSHE/PSE provision.
For more information about the DSM Foundation, visit their website at https://www.dsmfoundation.org.uk/. Media inquiries regarding this press release or the work of the DSM Foundation should be directed to media@dsmfoundation.org.uk.
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