E-cigarette use by young people has become increasingly problematic over recent years. While public health experts have called for stronger regulatory controls on -e-cigarettes, commonly known as ‘vapes’, parents, schools and young people are dealing with the behavioural challenges associated with these products.

To help address some of these challenges, the Commissioner for Children and Young People conducted the ‘Talking about vaping’ survey – an anonymous online survey open to anyone in Western Australia aged 12 to 18 years, on the topic of ‘vapes’ and ‘vaping’.

The survey was open for five weeks, from 1 May to 5 June 2023 and could be completed on a smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer. 

An overwhelming 3303 participants completed the survey, from all over Western Australia, making this the largest qualitative research conducted with WA young people on the topic of e-cigarettes.

Participants discussed what worries or concerns them about ‘vapes’/’vaping’, how they think young people access ‘vapes’, and how adults can better support young people to avoid, reduce or stop using these harmful products.

Participants were also asked about their smoking and ‘vaping’ status, and, if they had ever smoked or ever vaped, which they had tried first.