News release

From: Burnet Institute

Young Australians sees vaping as highly harmful, but knowledge gaps remain in sexual health education: new Burnet survey finds

Young people across Australia are highly aware of the harms of vaping but significant gaps remain in sexual health knowledge and education, according to new findings from Burnet Institute’s 2025 Sex, Drugs and Rock ’n’ Roll survey.

The Victorian survey, conducted between May and June 2025, captured responses from 1,049 young people aged 15 to 29, offering a snapshot of attitudes, behaviours and knowledge around sexual health, vaping, alcohol and other drugs.

While nearly two-thirds (62.7%) of respondents reported having used e-cigarettes, participants rated the harmfulness of vaping at an average of 89 out of 100, suggesting a strong awareness of health risks despite widespread use.

Curiosity (63%) and peer influence (52%) were the most commonly cited reasons for starting to vape.

Megan Lim, Head of Young People’s Health at Burnet Institute, said: “What this survey shows is a real disconnect between awareness and behaviour.

“Young people clearly understand that vaping can be harmful, but that knowledge alone isn’t enough to prevent use. At the same time, many are missing out on basic, practical sexual health education that helps them make informed decisions about their bodies and relationships.”

The survey highlights persistent gaps in sexual health knowledge. On average, participants answered only four out of six sexual health questions correctly, with just 50 per cent aware that chlamydia can cause infertility in women and 56 per cent knowing it can be diagnosed with a urine test.

Education gaps

Respondents reported that while some topics are covered in school-based education, others are largely overlooked.

• The most well-covered topics were:Consent education (42%)
• Contraception (39%)
• Menstrual cycle education (34%)

However, major gaps were identified, with participants saying the following topics were not covered at all:

• Types of sex (84%)
• Abnormal period symptoms (81%)
• Sexual pleasure (77%)

Alcohol and other drug use

Alcohol use remains widespread, with 95 per cent of respondents reporting drinking alcohol in the past year. More than seven in ten (72%) had used other drugs at some point and 45 per cent had done so in the past month.
The most commonly used substances were:

• Marijuana (68%)
• MDMA (34%)
• LSD (34%)
• Ketamine (30%)
• Cocaine (30%)

Menstrual health and access Among respondents who had a menstrual period in the past six months, disposable pads were the most commonly used product (76%), followed by tampons without applicators (45%) and period underwear (42%). Alarmingly, 16 per cent reported using toilet paper as a menstrual product, highlighting ongoing issues around access and affordability.

Young people want more open conversations

Looking ahead, participants called for future surveys and education efforts to focus more deeply on:

• Sexual health and consent
• Mental health
• Drug use
• Pornography and social media
• Relationships and wellbeing

Burnet researchers say the findings reinforce the need for evidence-based, age-appropriate and inclusive health education, alongside harm-reduction approaches that meet young people where they are.