The percentage of secondary school students using cigarettes fell to 5 per cent from 7 per cent in the two previous surveys, according to a national survey that cited higher cost and plain packaging.

About 23,000 students participated in the Australian Secondary Students’ Alcohol and Drug survey, which is conducted every three years. Although the study did not include the role of factors associated with reduced smoking among 12- to 17-year-olds, past research has showing cigarette price hikes, anti-smoking campaigns, bans on smoking in public places reduce smoking among adolescents, states a release from Cancer Council Victoria.
"We are only now beginning to understand the significance of the change to cigarette packaging, but peer-reviewed published research shows this was associated with a reduction in perceived attractiveness and appeal of cigarette packs to adolescents even in the first year of its implementation," said Todd Harper, head of Cancer Council Victoria.