News and Events

Smoking prevalence among 12 to 17-year-old school students has dropped to an all time low in WA, to less than 5 per cent.

Results released by the WA Health Minister Kim Hames on 16 September, were from the 2008 Australian School Students Alcohol and Drug (ASSAD) survey, carried out for the WA Department of Health.

Results showed a reduction in smoking across the majority of age groups, in particular;

• The proportion of regular smokers has decreased. In 2008, only 4.8 per cent of 12 to 17-year-olds had smoked in the past week, down from 6.1 per cent in 2005, and 17.5 per cent in 1984. 
• The proportion of students who have never smoked has increased. In 2008, almost 75 per cent of 12 to 17-year-olds had never smoked compared with 69 per cent in 2005, and almost 32 per cent in 1984.

For more information, click here for the media statement from Smarter than Smoking and the Heart Foundation.