Majority of Britons back technology to tackle underage vaping

New research suggests that the majority of Britons believe technology could play a significant role in reducing youth vaping, as current age-verification measures are seen as insufficient.

Report highlights

According to a report published by IKE Tech, a survey of 2,000 UK adults and 500 15-17-year-olds highlights ongoing challenges around the effectiveness of existing age checks intended to prevent underage access to vapes. The research, part of a larger study including 5,000 respondents across the UK and US, explores attitudes towards technology-driven solutions for safeguarding young people from the risks associated with vaping.

The study reveals that 61% of respondents across all demographics believe current age-verification processes are too easy for under-18s to circumvent. Among teenagers aged 15-17, over half (54%) identified point-of-use technology - such as biometrics or digital identification integrated within vaping devices - as the most effective tool to prevent underage use.

Factors influencing youth vaping

Despite strides made in reducing cigarette smoking among young adults in the UK, concerns persist about increasing rates of vaping among teenagers. The report shows that social factors, including peer pressure and a desire to fit in, are among the principal motivators for youth use. Specifically, 61% of survey respondents cite peer influence as a leading cause of initial experimentation, while 42% of teenagers in the 15-17 age group report that the desire to appear older or gain acceptance motivates them to try vaping.

Of added concern, 90% of all respondents believe that vapes are often shared within peer or family groups, further complicating regulatory enforcement.

Illicit market findings

The growth in youth vaping correlates with a sharp rise in the illicit vape market since 2020, now estimated to have increased a hundred-fold. The report outlines that 79% of respondents think underage users often purchase vapes online, whereas 74% believe in-person retail sales are subject to weak or non-existent checks on buyers' ages.

When asked about motivations to seek illicit vapes, respondents mention peer pressure or social reasons (84%), lower pricing (82%), and a lack of age-verification controls (80%). The prevalence of illicit products raises health concerns and undermines responsible retailers who comply with safety and age-gating regulations.

Technological solutions

With policymakers preparing legislative action such as the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, the research indicates broad public support for digital age verification and other technology measures to address underage vaping. Over half (53%) of those surveyed favour improved checks at the point of sale, and 52% support verification at the point of use, including digital 'child locks'.

Support for technological innovation is also strong among adult vapers, with 81% indicating they would choose devices equipped with advanced age-verification if it would help reduce youth usage.

"Now more than ever, the world needs responsible, technology-driven solutions that go beyond traditional enforcement," said John Patterson, President of IKE Tech. "While the Tobacco and Vapes Bill is a welcome first step, by moving beyond analogue measures to invest in technological safeguards like blockchain-based, point-of-use age verification, we can make this vision a reality, set new global standards, and protect young people from harm."

Retailer perspective

Retailers also see a need for rigorous age verification to support both regulatory compliance and workplace safety.

Atul Sodha, an independent retailer, said: "We need a belt and braces approach to age verification in order to ensure we keep within legal frameworks while helping the Government achieve its smoke-free objectives. A triple-lock effect of manufacturer technology, retailer vigilance, and point of use age verification within vapes would not only help in eliminating youth use, but will also help resolve the challenges we face in anti-social behaviour and verbal and physical abuse of staff during point of sale processes."

Public expectations on future regulation

Looking ahead, 48% of respondents said they believe underage vaping could decline by 2030 with the appropriate measures. The majority suggest stronger penalties for retailers violating the law (81%), the widespread implementation of advanced technology (73%), and stricter government regulation (71%) as essential steps to tackle the issue.

The IKE Tech report proposes that collaboration among industry, regulators, retailers, educators, and public health advocates will be critical to establishing responsible vaping practices and closing enforcement gaps for underage access.