Recent data released by government officials indicates a significant decline in adolescent vaping, marking the lowest rates in over a decade. The survey revealed that the prevalence of high school students using unauthorized e-cigarettes, including popular brands like Elf Bar, has notably decreased.
The latest statistics show that the teen vaping rate has fallen to under 6% this year, down from 7.7% in 2023. The number of high school students vaping in the past month has decreased by half a million, with over 1.6 million students reporting vaping, a third of the number reported in 2019 when underage vaping peaked.
While vaping rates remained unchanged among middle schoolers at 3.5%, the overall decline in teen vaping has been hailed as a significant public health victory. Officials emphasized the need for continued efforts to further reduce youth vaping rates despite the positive trend.
The drop in vaping among teens did not coincide with an increase in other tobacco products, such as nicotine pouches like Zyn, which have seen a surge in sales among adults. The survey indicated that 1.8% of teens are using nicotine pouches, a figure that has remained relatively stable from the previous year.
The decline in teen vaping has been attributed to age restrictions, stricter enforcement measures against retailers and manufacturers, and efforts to combat the influx of illegal e-cigarettes from Chinese companies. The FDA's crackdown on brands like Elf Bar, which saw a 36% decrease in teen use following warning letters, has contributed to the overall reduction in vaping rates.
While major American e-cigarette brands like Vuse and Juul continue to be popular among teen vapers, the report highlighted the prevalence of flavored products, with fruit flavors being the most favored among users. Additionally, the survey revealed that Zyn is the most common nicotine pouch used by teens who engage in such products.
Key findings from the report include the fact that a significant portion of students who vape do so daily, with flavored products being overwhelmingly preferred. The FDA's ban on fruit and candy flavors in reusable e-cigarettes in 2020 did not extend to disposable products, leading to brands like Elf Bar filling the gap in the market.
The comprehensive survey, which involved over 29,000 students in grades 6 through 12, provides valuable insights into youth tobacco and nicotine trends. While the decline in teen vaping is a positive development, health officials remain vigilant in monitoring evolving trends in the tobacco product landscape.
