The Smoking, Drinking and Drug Use among Young People in England report for 2023 showed regular or occasional vaping in high school children had increased to 9% from 6% in 2018.

Minister for public health and prevention, Andrew Gwynne, said: ‘It's very worrying to see a quarter of pupils tried vaping last year. The health advice is clear that children and adult non-smokers should never vape, so it is unacceptable to see unscrupulous retailers marketing them at children.

‘Through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, we will stop vapes from being deliberately branded to target children, protecting future generations from becoming hooked on nicotine and ensuring the next generation grows up smoke and vape free.'

The report shows the number of young people who have smoked at least once has dropped to 11%, the lowest level on record.

The NHS is supporting the Government's ambition for a smoke-free generation by 2030, with a focus on stopping people from starting to smoke.

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable illness and deaths in adults and treating the health issues it causes costs the NHS around £2.5bn each year.

Hazel Cheeseman, chief executive of ASH, said: ‘It is vital the Government bring forward the Tobacco and Vapes Bill as soon as possible to accelerate progress towards a smokefree generation and more effectively regulate vaping. While smoking rates have fallen dramatically among 11–15-year-olds over the last few decades, this data indicate progress is stalling and show a particularly worrying jump in 11-year-olds reporting ever smoking or currently smoking.

‘At the same time youth vaping remains too high and is unlikely to fall without further regulations to limit the appeal of vapes to teens. Today's data should be the impetus the Government needs to bring forward legislation for first reading.'