Atlanta, GA — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today released the findings from the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS), revealing critical insights into tobacco product use among U.S. middle and high school students. While overall tobacco use has seen a modest decline, the survey highlights that e-cigarette use remains a significant public health concern among youth.
Key Findings:
- E-Cigarette Use Remains Prevalent: Approximately 10% of high school students and 3% of middle school students reported current e-cigarette use.
- Traditional Cigarette Use Declines: The current use of traditional cigarettes among high school students has decreased to 3%, the lowest recorded level.
- Polytobacco Use: About 4% of high school students reported using two or more tobacco products, indicating continued polytobacco use.
- Disparities Persist: Tobacco product use remains higher among certain demographic groups, including LGBTQ+ youth and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky, CDC Director, stated, “The 2024 NYTS results underscore the ongoing challenge we face with youth e-cigarette use. While it’s encouraging to see declines in traditional cigarette smoking, the persistent popularity of e-cigarettes threatens to undermine progress in reducing overall youth tobacco use.”
Public Health Implications:
The sustained use of e-cigarettes among youth poses risks for nicotine addiction and can serve as a gateway to other tobacco products. The CDC emphasizes the need for continued surveillance, education, and regulatory efforts to address this issue.
CDC Initiatives:
- Education Campaigns: Enhancing outreach programs to educate youth about the risks of e-cigarette use.
- Regulatory Support: Collaborating with the FDA to support enforcement of regulations on the sale and marketing of e-cigarettes to minors.
- Research Investments: Investing in research to better understand the patterns and effects of youth tobacco use.
Call to Action:
Parents, educators, healthcare providers, and community leaders are urged to engage in open conversations with youth about the dangers of all forms of tobacco use, including e-cigarettes.
For More Information:
The full report of the 2024 NYTS findings is available at CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).
About the National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS):
The NYTS is a cross-sectional, nationally representative survey of middle and high school students in the United States. Conducted annually, it provides vital data on tobacco product use patterns, attitudes, and associated factors among youth.
