Adult smoking rates
Smoking rates among adults in Australia have been steadily declining. In 2010, the smoking rate among adults (aged 18 years and over) was 17.5%. The smoking rate has almost halved since 1980.
In 2011, the smoking rate among Victorian adults (aged 18 years and over) was 14.4%. The smoking rates for males (16.9%) was higher than the rate for females (13.3%).
The adult smoking rate includes daily smokers and weekly smokers.
Secondary school children
Current smoking among school children is defined as having smoked in the week before the survey.
Australian secondary school student rates
In 2011, the overall rate of current smoking among Australian students aged 12 to 17 years was 6.7%. Among 12 to 15 year olds, 4.1% were current smokers; the smoking rate for males was 4.4% and for females 3.8%. Among 16 to 17 year olds, 12.9% were current smokers; the smoking rate for males was 13.4% and for females 12.3%.
Victorian secondary school children
In 2008, the overall rate of current smoking among Victorian students aged 12 to 17 years was 9%. Among 12 to 15 year olds, 6.3% were current smokers; the smoking rate for males was 5.9% and for females 6.7%. Among 16 to 17 year olds, 13.5% were current smokers; the smoking rate for males was 12.0% and for females 15.0%.
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Australian smoking rates, disease, secondhand smoke and social costs