The 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey has revealed that the lowest number of U.S. teens and tweens in 25 years are currently using tobacco products, with only 8 percent of middle and high school students reporting any tobacco use in the past 30 days. This significant drop from 2019, when 23 percent reported current tobacco use, is mainly due to the decrease in e-cigarette use, which was at 20 percent in 2019. E-cigarettes are still the most popular choice among students, with 6 percent reporting use in 2024, followed by nicotine pouches, cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco. The survey has been measuring use among students since 1999.
More high school students, at 10 percent, reported using any tobacco product in the past 30 days compared to middle school students, at 5.4 percent. The number of high school students reporting current use of e-cigarettes in 2024 has decreased to just under 8 percent from 10 percent in 2023, resulting in a significant decline in current tobacco product use among all students surveyed. Disparities in tobacco use among different racial and ethnic groups still exist, with past research suggesting that the tobacco industry has targeted certain groups through advertising and marketing strategies, such as promoting menthol cigarettes to Black communities and using tribal icons to appeal to American Indian and Alaskan Native people.
Tobacco use typically begins in adolescence, a critical period when exposure to nicotine can have detrimental effects on the developing brain of teens. Nicotine, the addictive substance in tobacco, can impair learning, memory, and attention in teenagers. The drop in tobacco product use is attributed to tobacco control programs at the federal, state, and local levels, in addition to public awareness campaigns aimed at educating youth about the dangers of tobacco use. Despite the progress made in reducing tobacco use among teens and tweens, there is still work to be done to address disparities in use among different racial and ethnic groups.
The findings of the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey highlight the importance of continued efforts to prevent and reduce tobacco use among adolescents. Initiatives aimed at curbing tobacco consumption, especially among vulnerable populations targeted by the tobacco industry, are crucial to protecting the health and well-being of young people. Educating teens about the risks associated with tobacco use and providing support for those looking to quit are essential components of comprehensive tobacco control strategies. By addressing disparities in tobacco use and implementing evidence-based interventions, policymakers and public health officials can help further reduce the prevalence of tobacco products among U.S. teens and tweens.
The decline in tobacco product use among U.S. teens and tweens signifies progress in the fight against tobacco-related harms, but challenges persist in eliminating tobacco use altogether. Ongoing efforts to enforce regulations on tobacco products, restrict marketing and advertising aimed at youth, and promote smoke-free environments are critical to safeguarding the health of adolescents and preventing lifelong addiction to nicotine. By addressing the root causes of tobacco use, including social, environmental, and economic factors, society can create a healthier future for the next generation. Collaboration among policymakers, healthcare professionals, educators, and community leaders is essential to combatting the tobacco epidemic and ensuring that all young people have the opportunity to live smoke-free lives.
