Research directions for improved responses to young people’s e-cigarette use: A report from a consultation with e-cigarette policy and practice professionals

In 2024 the Australian Government responded to a rapid increase in vaping among young people with legislation designed to reduce access to e-cigarettes.

Debate continues on how to balance the harm reduction potential of e-cigarettes against concerns about their potential risks. Key concerns include the potential acute harms of vaping and its potential to ‘normalise’ nicotine consumption, including smoking. This report presents research findings from a national consultation conducted in 2024 on efforts to address young people’s use of e-cigarettes or vaping. It aims to inform research that can improve policy and practice responses to young people’s vaping.

We report on interviews conducted with 11 professionals working in roles related to e-cigarettes—researchers, policy professionals, public health professionals and those providing treatment—to explore their views on key issues for policy and practice responses to young people’s vaping.

The consultation generated new insights into how Australian e-cigarette professionals understand young people’s vaping, the most appropriate responses and key knowledge gaps and research opportunities.