Teen Tobacco Use Hits 25-Year Low, Says CDC

Teen Smoking Hits All-Time Low in the U.S.

According to a recent report from the CDC, teen smoking in the U.S. has reached an all-time low, with a significant overall decrease in youth tobacco use. This year, approximately 2.25 million middle and high school students reported using at least one tobacco product, down from 2.8 million last year, marking a 20% decline.

CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health director, Deirdre Lawrence Kittner, hailed this milestone, stating, “Reaching a 25-year low for youth tobacco product use is an extraordinary milestone for public health.” However, she emphasized that efforts to combat tobacco use must continue.

The decline in tobacco use is largely attributed to a drop in vaping, with youth e-cigarette rates falling to under 6% this year, the lowest in a decade. Other tobacco products, including nicotine pouches and hookahs, also saw reduced usage rates.

Historically, less than 1.7% of high school students smoked this year compared to nearly 30% in the past, whereas middle school rates are also at their lowest. Recent CDC surveys involving nearly 30,000 students highlighted these changes.

Experts suggest that price hikes, public health campaigns, age restrictions, and stricter enforcement against selling to minors contributed to these declines, although changes varied among different demographics.