Brazil Youth Vaping Surge: PeNSE 2024 Reveals Sharp Increase in Teen Usage
Brazil’s *National Student Health Survey (PeNSE) 2024* reveals that among students aged 13 to 17, the rate of vape experimentation rose from 16.8% in 2019 to 29.6% in 2024, while the usage rate within the past 30 days increased from 8.6% to 26.3%. During the same period, the experimentation rate for traditional cigarettes declined from 22.6% to 18.5%, and the usage rate for hookahs dropped from 26.9% to 16.4%.
Key Highlights
- Among students aged 13 to 17 in Brazil, the rate of vape experimentation rose from 16.8% in 2019 to 29.6% in 2024.
- The rate of vape usage within the past 30 days increased from 8.6% to 26.3%.
- The vape experimentation rate among female students was 31.7%, higher than the 27.4% observed among male students.
- The experimentation rate was 30.4% among students in public schools, compared to 24.9% in private schools.
- The Central-West and South regions recorded the highest experimentation rates, at 42.0% and 38.3%, respectively.
Rising Vape Use Among Brazilian Teenagers
According to a report by G1 on March 26, 2026, Brazil’s National Student Health Survey (PeNSE) 2024 indicates that the landscape of tobacco consumption among Brazilian adolescents has undergone significant changes over the past five years, with vape usage continuing to rise among students aged 13 to 17.
Vape Experimentation Rate Jumps from 16.8% to 29.6%
Survey data reveal that the rate of vape experimentation increased from 16.8% in 2019 to 29.6% in 2024. Meanwhile, the proportion of students who used vapes within the past 30 days rose from 8.6% to 26.3%.
Large-Scale National Survey Covers Over 12 Million Students
This survey—conducted by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and with the support of the Ministry of Education—marks the fifth iteration of the study. It covered over 12.3 million students aged 13 to 17 across public and private schools nationwide.
Gender and School Type Differences in Vape Use
When analyzed by demographic group, the vape experimentation rate among female students stood at 31.7%, surpassing the 27.4% recorded among male students.
Broken down by school type, the rate of vape experimentation among public school students stood at 30.4%, higher than the 24.9% recorded among private school students.
Regional Disparities: Central-West and South Lead
Regionally, the Midwest and South exhibited the highest rates of vape experimentation, at 42.0% and 38.3%, respectively. Conversely, the North and Northeast recorded the lowest rates, at 21.5% and 22.5%.
Decline in Traditional Cigarette and Hookah Use
During the same period, the rate of experimentation with traditional cigarettes declined from 22.6% to 18.5%, while hookah usage dropped from 26.9% to 16.4%.
Shift in Youth Tobacco Preferences
The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) suggests that these data may indicate a shifting trend—particularly among private school students—away from hookah use and toward vapes.
Regulatory Gaps and Continued Youth Access
Even though the Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) prohibits the sale, importation, and advertising of vapes, these products continue to reach young people through online channels and targeted promotional campaigns.
Health Risks Highlighted by WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that adolescents are nine times more likely than adults to use these devices. Furthermore, the WHO notes that vapes may contain nicotine, toxins, and heavy metals—including nickel, tin, and lead.
Decline in School-Based Tobacco Prevention Efforts
On the prevention front, Brazil’s “School Health Program” (PSE) has incorporated tobacco use prevention into its guidelines; however, in 2024, only 48.5% of public school students participating in the program engaged in specific tobacco prevention activities—a decline from the 51.4% recorded in 2019.
