Reality Now: Tobacco and Vaping Report

This report presents findings from data collected through the Reality Now program, providing a long-term study exploring tobacco and vaping behaviours among Australian secondary school students. Conducted from 2018 to 2024, the program collected nearly 30,000 responses from students in Years 7 to 11. Using a social norms approach (SNA), the program aimed to identify and correct misperceptions about peer substance use and promote healthier behaviours. This report focuses on tobacco and vaping behaviours, whereas the broader program also examined the use of alcohol, cannabis, and MDMA. The findings show that while actual tobacco and vape use remain low, students consistently overestimate how many of their peers engage in these behaviours. These inflated perceptions can influence decision-making and increase risk-taking. This report explores how these misperceptions evolve, the impact of attitudinal shifts across year levels, and the effect of demographics on attitudes and behaviour. Considerations from the findings for teachers, students and parents/cares are provided.