Youth Vaping Dropped to Lowest Levels in a Decade, Federal Data Shows

New Federal Data Reveals a Significant Decline in Youth Vaping

According to new federal data, the number of teenagers who use electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) in 2024 has dropped significantly from its peak in 2019. This decline is being hailed as a major public health victory against vaping products.

Fewer Teens Using E-Cigarettes in 2024

Compared to 2023, half a million fewer U.S. youth reported using e-cigarettes in 2024. In 2024, an estimated 6% of all middle and high school students said they currently used e-cigarettes, a drop from last year’s 7.7%. This represents a significant decline from the peak of e-cigarette use in 2019, when more than 5 million youths reported current e-cigarette use.

High Schoolers Drive the Decline

The decline in vaping among youth was driven largely by high schoolers. According to the survey, about 1.21 million high school students in 2024 said they had used an e-cigarette in the past 30 days, compared with 1.56 million in 2023. Middle school students, however, showed no significant change in vaping rates over the past year.

Fruit Flavors Still Popular Among Youth Vapers

Among students who currently use e-cigarettes, almost 63% said they use a fruit flavor. Candy and mint were the other flavor types most frequently reported.

Experts Hail the Decline as a Public Health Win

The decline in youth vaping is being seen as a major public health victory. “The continued decline in e-cigarette use among our nation’s youth is a monumental public health win,” said Brian King, director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products. “But we can’t rest on our laurels, as there’s still more work to do to further reduce youth e-cigarette use.”

Disposable E-Cigarette Products Most Commonly Used

Disposable e-cigarette products were the most common product type used among youth vapers. However, the most popular brands included both disposable and cartridge-based products.

Signs of Addiction Among Youth Vapers

A large percentage of youth e-cigarette users reported frequent or daily use, which experts said is a strong sign of addiction. Among high school users, 42% reported frequent or daily use, while 27% of middle school users reported the same.

Concerns Over New Products

While the decline in youth vaping is welcome news, experts are concerned about the rise of new products like nicotine pouches. These small, dissolvable, flavored pouches containing nicotine derived from tobacco are heavily marketed to youth and have appealing flavors.

Need for Regulatory Action

Regulators need to take action to clear the market of all illegal cigarettes and closely monitor youth use of new products like nicotine pouches. “Like e-cigarettes, these products have appealing flavors and are heavily marketed to youth, especially on popular social media platforms,” said the American Heart Association. “Unless the FDA takes action, we are concerned that youth use of nicotine pouches and other newer products will only increase in future years.”

Conclusion

The decline in youth vaping is a significant public health victory, but it is crucial that regulators continue to monitor and address the issue. By working together, we can reduce the number of teens using e-cigarettes and protect their health.

FAQs

Q: What is the current rate of youth vaping in the United States?
A: According to the latest federal data, an estimated 6% of all middle and high school students in the United States currently use e-cigarettes.

Q: Has the rate of youth vaping changed over the past year?
A: Yes, the rate of youth vaping has declined significantly over the past year. In 2024, half a million fewer U.S. youth reported using e-cigarettes compared to 2023.

Q: What are the most popular flavors among youth vapers?
A: Among students who currently use e-cigarettes, almost 63% said they use a fruit flavor. Candy and mint were the other flavor types most frequently reported.

Q: What is the most common product type used among youth vapers?
A: Disposable e-cigarette products were the most common product type used among youth vapers.

Q: What are nicotine pouches, and are they a concern?
A: Nicotine pouches are small, dissolvable, flavored pouches containing nicotine derived from tobacco. While they are not currently as popular as e-cigarettes, experts are concerned about their rise in popularity among youth and the potential for addiction.