E-Cig, Vape Usage Declining Among Teens, According to CDC

A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals a significant decline in e-cigarette and vape usage among teenagers. The data, collected through the National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS), shows that the number of U.S. middle and high school students using e-cigarettes has dropped to its lowest level in a decade. This decline is attributed to various factors, including local tobacco bans and public health campaigns highlighting the dangers of vaping. The findings mark a notable shift in teen behavior and suggest progress in efforts to reduce youth nicotine addiction.

Decline in Usage

The NYTS data indicates that the percentage of teenagers who reported using e-cigarettes in the past 30 days decreased from 7.7% in 2023 to 5.9% in 2024. This reduction translates to approximately half a million fewer youth using e-cigarettes compared to the previous year. High school students were the primary drivers of this decline, with their usage dropping from 1.56 million to 1.21 million. Middle school students’ usage remained relatively unchanged, highlighting the need for continued focus on younger age groups.

The decline in e-cigarette use among teens is seen as a significant public health victory. Brian King, director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, emphasized the importance of ongoing efforts to further reduce youth vaping. Despite the progress, the CDC and FDA continue to monitor the situation closely, recognizing that there is still work to be done to address nicotine addiction among teenagers.

The survey also revealed that the majority of teens who currently use e-cigarettes prefer flavored products, with fruit, candy, and mint being the most popular flavors. This preference underscores the need for targeted regulations to limit the availability of flavored e-cigarettes, which are particularly appealing to young users.

Factors Contributing to the Decline

Several factors have contributed to the decline in e-cigarette usage among teens. Local tobacco bans and restrictions on the sale of flavored e-cigarettes have played a crucial role in reducing access to these products. Public health campaigns and educational programs have also been effective in raising awareness about the risks associated with vaping.

The FDA’s enforcement actions against unauthorized e-cigarette brands, such as Elf Bar, have further limited the availability of these products. The agency has issued numerous warning letters and imposed civil penalties on retailers selling unauthorized e-cigarettes, contributing to the overall decline in usage.

Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic may have influenced teen behavior, as social distancing measures and remote learning reduced opportunities for social interactions where vaping might occur. This temporary shift in social dynamics could have contributed to the decrease in e-cigarette use among teenagers.

Ongoing Challenges and Future Efforts

Despite the encouraging decline in e-cigarette usage, challenges remain. The CDC’s report highlights that nearly 40% of teens who currently vape do so frequently, indicating persistent nicotine addiction. This underscores the need for continued efforts to address the root causes of teen vaping and provide support for those struggling with addiction.

Future efforts will focus on strengthening regulations and enforcement to prevent the sale of e-cigarettes to minors. The FDA and CDC are also working to develop more comprehensive public health campaigns that target both teens and their parents, emphasizing the long-term health risks associated with vaping.

Research into the effectiveness of various intervention strategies will be crucial in shaping future policies and programs. By understanding what works best in reducing teen vaping, public health officials can implement more targeted and effective measures to protect youth from nicotine addiction.