Montreal girls now outpace boys in vaping and drug use, public health report reveals

Montreal public health officials say they’re concerned over a surge in teen vaping, as e-cigarettes levels compare to cigarette smoking rates 15 years ago.

Montreal public health officials say they’re concerned over a surge in teen vaping, with a new report finding teenagers are using e-cigarettes at levels comparable to cigarette smoking rates 15 years ago.

The report, published by Montreal Public Health on Thursday, tracked substance use among high schoolers from 2016 to 2023. While alcohol, drug and tobacco use all declined over that period, vaping has grown in popularity among teens.

The products are designed to appeal to young users, said report author and public health specialist Emmanuelle Prairie.

“These products are super attractive to use. They have sweet flavours. They have very nice objects to be shown,” she said.

Two girls CTV News who spoke with said they started young. One said she began vaping in Grade 6. Another said her introduction came from home, because her mother vaped and left devices within reach.

CTV News is not identifying the students because they are minors.

Girls outpacing boys for first time

One finding that stood out to Prairie is that, for the first time, girls are drinking, using drugs and vaping at higher rates than boys, and they’re using substances differently.

“Girls are also more likely to use it as a coping mechanism. They have a tendency to internalize symptoms or negative emotions, whereas boys more often use for risk-taking,” Prairie said.

She said the shift is part of a broader decline in girls’ overall health since the pandemic. The teens CTV News spoke with said they rely on vaping to handle their emotions.

“It’s mostly like stress and anxiety and mental health and stuff like that,” said one girl.

“I feel like it helps me like destress in certain situations. Like, if I’m arguing with someone, my vape’s there, I’ll just puff it and calm down,” said the other.

Illegal but accessible

It is illegal in Quebec for anyone under 18 to purchase vaping products, but teens say they are finding ways to get them regardless.

Prairie said it’s a concern, given the known impacts on cardiovascular and respiratory health.

“We do not want youth to be using this highly addictive product. It can impact their health and well-being,” she said.

Montreal Public Health says it will continue working with schools on prevention programs aimed at reducing youth vaping.