RESEARCH ALERT
Some vapes use added chemicals to create a cold or icy feeling. New research has raised concerns about three of them: WS-23, WS-3 and WS-5. We do not yet know how common they are in Wales.
Information / Young people
Smoking, vaping & young people in Wales
Evidence and information about smoking, vaping and nicotine use among children and young people in Wales – including the latest prevalence data, prevention, influence, dependence and routes to support. For vaping-specific data and practical guidance, see teen vaping in Wales.
Last reviewed: 5th October 2026
QUICK ANSWER
Most young people in Wales do not smoke or vape.
Regular smoking and vaping both fell in the latest 2025 secondary-school survey. Use rises with age, and the picture differs by product, setting and individual circumstances.
Choose the right route
Nicofiends
Explore ASH Wales’ prevention campaign about pressure, products, social media and making your own choices.
Parents & carers
Practical guidance for conversations, products, school incidents and helping a child or teenager who is using nicotine.
Schools & youth workers
Free resources, prevention materials, school vaping guidance, emerging-product information and support routes for professionals.
Research & evidence
Go deeper into the latest Wales data, ASH Wales youth research and the wider evidence behind prevention.
What does the latest Wales data show?
The 2025 School Health Research Network survey included more than 130,000 learners in Years 7 to 11 across Wales. View the Public Health Wales survey report ↗
1.8%
smoked at least weekly
Years 7 to 11 in 2025, down from 2.7% in 2023.
5.2%
vaped at least weekly
Years 7 to 11 in 2025, down from 7% in 2023.
12.8%
of Year 11 learners vaped at least weekly
Down from 15.9% in 2023.
These are population-level survey estimates across participating secondary schools. They describe patterns across Wales, not what every young person experiences.
Pressure, influence & what feels normal
Friends, fitting in, social media, stress and product appeal can all shape what feels normal. Use our dedicated guides on pressure, friends & fitting in and social media & influencers for the detail.
Nicofiends
Free activities for schools and youth settings, built around product, pressure and access. Nicofiends is informed by wider prevention evidence; ASH Wales does not present participation, downloads or feedback as proof that the programme has reduced smoking or vaping.
Already smoking or vaping?
If nicotine has become part of your day, you can get support with cravings, withdrawal and making a plan. Our stopping guide brings the practical advice and Help Me Quit routes together in one place.
Concerned about a sale, seller or product?
You do not need proof, and you should not investigate or confront anyone. A shop name, location, online account, product or concern can help build the local picture.