Vaping Among US Youths Declines for the First Time in Three Years

Strategic Insights -

According to a federal report, the percentage of high school and middle school students who use e-cigarettes or vaping products has decreased for the first time in three years. The drop in youth vaping was welcomed by health advocates, but it came with warning signs, including an increase in the percentage of teens who appear to be addicted and a rise in the use of flavored e-cigarettes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's national survey found that fewer than 20% of high school students and 5% of middle school students reported using electronic cigarettes or vaping products in the past month.

Key Takeaways:

  • The percentage of high school students who used e-cigarettes or vaping products decreased from 28% to 19%, and middle school students decreased from 11% to 5% between 2019 and 2020, according to the CDC's national survey.
  • The percentage of youths who appeared to be addicted to vaping increased, as indicated by teens who had vaped 20 days or more in the past month, with 39% of high school users vaping on most days of the month.
  • The use of flavored e-cigarettes, including candy, fruit, and mint, increased, which officials believe could lead to a higher risk of addiction among teens.
  • The decrease in youth vaping is attributed to a blitz of federal and local attention, media reports about vaping-related illnesses, and the introduction of stricter regulations on the vaping industry.
  • The decline in youth vaping is a mixed bag, with some health advocates expressing concern that the numbers would have been even lower if the Trump administration had followed through with a ban on all flavored vaping products.

Statistics:

  • 19% of high school students and 5% of middle school students reported using electronic cigarettes or vaping products in the past month, according to the CDC's national survey.
  • The percentage of high school students who use e-cigarettes or vaping products decreased from 28% to 19% between 2019 and 2020.
  • 39% of high school users who vape are heavy users, vaping on most days of the month.
  • The number of students who vaped on 20 or more days in the past month increased from 34% to 39% between 2019 and 2020.

Sources:

  • The Washington Post, "Vaping among U.S. youths falls for the first time in three years after vaping-related deaths and injuries" (note: exact date not specified)
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Electronic Cigarette Use Among Youth and Young Adults"
  • The Washington Post, "President Trump announces ban on flavored vapes, except for tobacco flavor" (note: exact date not specified)
  • Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, "Statement on the Decline in Youth Vaping"