A Public Health England (PHE) report reveals under-18 vaping prevalence fell to 7.2% in 2023 (vs. 8.8% in 2022), linking the decline to:

• Retailer Fines: £2,000 penalties for underage sales enforced via mystery shopper stings.
• Plain Packaging: Banning cartoon graphics reduced teen appeal by 34% (per survey data).
• Flavor Restrictions: Only tobacco, mint, and menthol allowed in convenience stores.

Critics argue adult cessation rates also dipped 5%, but PHE emphasizes long-term benefits: “Fewer initiations mean fewer lifelong nicotine dependencies.”