Youth Tobacco Product Use at a 25-Year Low, Yet Disparities Persist

Youth tobacco product use has reached a 25-year low, with 2.25 million U.S. middle and high school students reporting current use in 2024, down from 2.80 million in 2023. This decline is driven by reduced e-cigarette and hookah use. However, disparities persist, as tobacco use remains prevalent among more than 2 million students, with certain groups, such as American Indian or Alaska Native students, experiencing increases in use.

 

Public health officials emphasize the importance of continuing evidence-based strategies like mass media campaigns and regulatory measures to prevent youth tobacco use and address ongoing disparities to protect adolescent health. Read more from the CDC here.