
Startling Findings: Teens Misjudge Their Peers on Vaping and Smoking
2025-06-02
Author: Nur
When it comes to fitting in, teenagers often make choices based on what they perceive as the norm among their peers. A new blockbuster report from the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) and Life Ed reveals a shocking disconnect between students' beliefs about vaping and smoking and the actual behaviors of their peers.
The key takeaway? High schoolers are grossly overestimating how many of their classmates are smoking or vaping. This crucial discovery underscores the vital role educators play in correcting these misconceptions, as inflated perceptions can lead to riskier decisions.
Reality Now: A Closer Look at Peer Behavior
The Reality Now Tobacco and Vaping Report (Van Der Zant et al., 2025) draws insights from an extensive data collection through the Reality Now initiative, rolled out in collaboration with Life Ed. This program employs a social norms approach, aimed at identifying and correcting misperceptions regarding peer substance use among students.
Implemented in schools across New South Wales and South Australia, the program features engaging sessions where students anonymously share their own experiences with tobacco, vaping, alcohol, and other drugs. The report states that when students realize that most of their peers are making healthier choices, they are more inclined to do the same.
Unpacking the Data: Vaping and Smoking Trends
Analyzing nearly 30,000 survey responses from students in years 7 to 11 at 135 schools between 2018 and 2024, researchers discovered some startling trends. In the vaping arena, where data was first gathered in 2021, a generous 74% of students reported never trying it, yet they mistakenly believed that only 10% of their peers were also vape-free.
While only 13% of students felt that vaping is acceptable, half of them strongly disagreed with the statement. The report highlights a concerning trend where, as students age, their vaping habits escalate—growing from just 4% among Year 7 and 8 students to 16% by Year 11.
Interestingly, female students reported higher rates of trying vaping than males (29% vs. 23%), and weekly use also favored girls (8% vs. 6%). Meanwhile, cigarette use was significantly lower overall, with over 20% claiming to have tried smoking but with only about 3% reporting smoking weekly.
Implications for Educators and Community
The report emphasizes the need for a collaborative effort among teachers, families, and communities to tackle these misconceptions. Schools are encouraged to implement evidence-based programs for better decision-making among students.
By addressing misconceptions and reinforcing healthier behaviors, educators can foster open discussions that empower students. As the data reveals, a more informed student is a more responsible one.
Final Thoughts
This report serves as a wake-up call to educators, parents, and policymakers: it’s essential to bridge the gap between perception and reality when it comes to youth behaviors surrounding vaping and smoking. The time to act is now for a healthier generation!