Recent data shows a significant decline in e-cigarette use among middle and high school students, reaching the lowest levels seen in a decade. The latest results from a national school survey conducted from January to May 2024 indicate that only about 8 percent of high school students have used e-cigarettes in the past month, a sharp decline from the 2019 peak.
In 2019, the survey reported that 27% of high school students were vaping, marking a troubling trend in teen health behavior. The substantial decrease in numbers this year not only represents a decline from previous years, but also suggests a promising shift toward fewer teens engaging in vaping activities.
Public health experts suggest the decline can be attributed to a combination of factors. These include increased public health campaigns that raise awareness about the risks of vaping, the implementation of bans on flavored e-cigarette products in several regions, and tighter controls on the sale of illegal vaping items.
This decline in teen vaping is seen as a potential turning point by health officials who hope for continued progress in combating teen e-cigarette use. Ongoing efforts to educate young people and regulate harmful products appear to be effective in driving this positive trend.
