WASHINGTON, D.C. – Truth Initiative, a digital hub for America’s largest nonprofit public health organization dedicated to ending tobacco and nicotine addiction, recently released the latest published federal study analyzing National Youth Tobacco Survey.
Data from the study shows that current youth e-cigarette use has declined to its lowest level in nearly a decade.
According to Truth Initiative, progress in reducing youth nicotine use reflects years of prevention efforts, including public education campaigns and other tools to help with nicotine addiction such as those provided by the Truth Initiative.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds that the nicotine and e-cigarette market has become increasingly complex, with products widely promoted through social media, streaming platforms, music, fashion, and celebrity culture. This visibility has normalized vaping and nicotine use, portraying it as “trendy” or “harmless” despite well-documented addiction risks.
Although overall youth vaping has not increased, e-cigarettes remain the most used tobacco product among adolescents. According to the CDC’s 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey, about 5.2% of middle and high school students report current e-cigarette use. Among these users, 27.5% vape daily, and 41.2% use e-cigarettes on at least 20 of the past 30 days. Additionally, 2.7% of students report using multiple nicotine products, including cigarettes and nicotine pouches.
Research further shows that more than 45% of youth and more than half of young adult e-cigarette users also use at least one other tobacco product. This pattern increases the risk of nicotine dependence and makes quitting more difficult.
Because nicotine use often begins in adolescence, it may also heighten vulnerability to other substance uses and risky behaviors later in life.
Truth Initiative’s analysis shows signs of growing dependence are also evident. Approximately 76% of teen vapers report using nicotine within 30 minutes of waking, a key indicator of addiction, according to Truth Initiative. In addition, the proportion of daily middle and high school students who report vaping daily and unsuccessfully attempting to quit has risen sharply, from about 28% in 2020 to 53% in 2024.
Despite declining youth vaping rates, illegal and unauthorized nicotine products remain widely available. Many products on the market have not received authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration but continue to be sold in flavors and designs appealing to youths.
Overall, while studies show a decline in youth e-cigarette use and prevention efforts can work, continued progress will require stronger regulation of illegal products, monitoring of emerging trends, and continued access to effective resources that can guide adolescents to quit.