Key findings
The voices of young Australians can help us better understand the challenges they are facing in an ever-changing world.
The latest National Child Health Poll from The Royal Children’s Hospital surveyed 2,012 Australian parents and 1,488 children, aged between 12 to 17 years. The inclusion of data from young people provides a better understanding of their experiences with nicotine.
The survey comprised two questionnaires – one completed by a parent or caregiver, and the other by their child aged 12 to 17 years. For parents with more than one child in the target population, one child was randomly selected to participate. Both parents and children responded to questions assessing their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours related to nicotine products including cigarettes, vapes (e-cigarettes) and oral pouches.
Key findings include:
One quarter (26%) of teens have ever tried a nicotine product, 12% are current users, and 15% are considering trying a nicotine product.
Three quarters of teens (74%) using nicotine products show signs of dependence.
Half of all teens (53%) who are using a nicotine product would like to quit or cut down.
Less than half (45%) of parents know about all the types of nicotine products their teen has tried.
Poll report
The latest National Child Health Poll explores nicotine use among Australian teens, aged 12 to 17 years. We asked teens if they had ever used or tried any nicotine products, and if they had used them in the last 30 days. Teens who said they had used a product in the last 30 days were defined as ‘current users’. One quarter (26%) have ever tried a nicotine product, 12% are current users, and 15% are considering trying a nicotine product. Parents were asked a series of questions about their child’s nicotine use. Among parents whose teen reported currently using at least one nicotine product, less than half (42%) were aware of their child’s use with awareness varying by product type. Half of parents (49%) said they were very confident they could recognise the signs of nicotine dependence, 41% were somewhat confident and 10% were not at all confident. One in four parents of teens (24%) considered dependent on a nicotine product said they were not able to help their child quit and 15% were unsure. Read the full report to explore these findings further.
Download the report
Poll questions
The poll surveyed 2,012 Australian parents and 1,488 children aged 12 to 17 years in May 2025. Parents provided data on their child, and the selected child shared data on their usage of and attitudes towards nicotine.
Download the questions
In the news
Information for parents
The Royal Children’s Hospital has developed a new nicotine fact sheet for teens, as well as an accompanying fact sheet for parents.
