The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced a significant decline in youth e-cigarette use, reaching its lowest point in a decade. According to the National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS), approximately 1.63 million middle and high school students reported e-cigarette use in 2024, a drop from 2.13 million in 2023.
The survey, conducted from January to May 2024, shows a substantial decrease in high schoolers using e-cigarettes, while middle school usage remained unchanged. The current youth e-cigarette use is about one-third of its peak in 2019 when over five million youth reported using the product.
“This continued decline is a public health victory,” said Brian King, Ph.D., Director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products. “However, we must remain vigilant and continue efforts to reduce youth e-cigarette use.”
The survey revealed that 87.6% of youth e-cigarette users preferred flavored products, with fruit, candy, and mint flavors being the most popular. The most frequently used brands were Elf Bar, Breeze, Mr. Fog, Vuse, and JUUL. Notably, Elf Bar usage dropped from 56.7% in 2023 to 36.1% in 2024, following FDA enforcement actions against the brand.
Youth nicotine pouch use remained relatively low, with no significant change from 2023, though the FDA and CDC continue to monitor trends closely. Both agencies emphasize the importance of preventing any youth from using tobacco products.
The FDA and CDC encourage educators and parents to engage in conversations with teens about the risks of vaping, offering free resources to support tobacco-free lifestyles. The FDA’s Vaping Prevention and Education Resource Center and CDC’s “Empower Vape-Free Youth” campaign continue to provide valuable tools for awareness and prevention.
