However, the charity echoes ASH’s concern over a significant increase in those identifying as “ever smokers,” rising from 14% in 2023 to 21% in 2025.
The YouGov survey, which polled 2,746 individuals aged 11–17, reveals that rates of "ever vaping" (20%), "current vaping" (7%), and "regular vaping" (4%) have plateaued. These behaviours remain more prevalent among current or former smokers, and overall smoking rates among this age group continue to be low.
Among younger respondents aged 11–15, just 16% reported having ever tried vaping, a figure that has remained steady 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, hence 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
59% indicated they would continue, with 67% planning to switch to reusable devices and 44% saying they would turn to illicit disposable products.
Concerningly, nearly half of youth vapers (47%) reported experiencing strong or very strong urges to vape – up from 26% in 2020 – indicating rising levels of dependence. 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 remains a dominant factor, with over three-quarters receiving their first vape from someone they knew, typically a friend. Despite legal restrictions, 46% of underage vapers said they had purchased devices from shops, while 25% sourced them informally.
Exposure to promotional content continues to play a role, with:
55% seeing vape advertising in shops
29% encountering promotions online, most commonly on TikTok, followed by YouTube and Instagram
“DSM founder and director Fiona Spargo-Mabbs OBE told That's Health: “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.”
