The federal government believes dangerous vaping rates among younger Australians may have turned a corner after years of rapid growth, with new research showing take-up could have peaked among teenagers and high school-age children. Data released by the health minister, Mark Butler, on Wednesday showed that vaping rates fell from 17.5% at the start of 2023 to 14.6% in April this year among children aged 14-17 years. Overall, rates for people aged over 15 reduced by more than a third, while vaping rates among the 30-59-year age group also dropped by about half. “Vaping rates skyrocketed in the five years before these reforms, particularly among young people,” he said. Butler said a major decrease in vaping and smoking rates would take time, “but we are here for the long haul for a healthier Australia”.