A quarter of teenagers have tried e-cigarettes and one in 20 are regular vapers, according to Australian researchers who say the habit is rising among high school students. 

Their 2022 survey of some 4200 adolescents suggests that 26% had used e-cigarettes at least once, 20% had vaped in the last 12 months, and 6% reported current regular use (past 30 days and at least weekly). 

This compares with a 2019 national survey that found 10% of teenagers had ever used e-cigarettes, the authors wrote in a research letter in the Medical Journal of Australia. 

More screening in primary health should be considered said lead author Dr Lauren Gardner (PhD), from the University of Sydney’s Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use.