(WRGB) — The New York State Department of Health announced that youth tobacco use across New York State has dropped to its lowest level on record, marking a major milestone in public health efforts to curb nicotine addiction among teens.
The findings come from the Department’s newly released Tobacco Control Program StatShot report, which analyzes data from the New York Youth Tobacco Survey. The report shows that overall tobacco use among high school students has fallen to 17%, the lowest rate since tracking began in 2000.
In the release, State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said,
The decline in tobacco use among our youth represents a major public health achievement. While youth tobacco use has reached record lows, far too many young people continue to use these harmful products. We remain committed to taking action that drives these numbers even lower and protects the health and well-being of our youth.Key Findings:Any tobacco use among high school students dropped to 17%.Cigarette smoking remains low, with just over 2% of students reporting current use.E-cigarette use declined sharply, from nearly 19% in 2022 to about 13% in 2024, though vaping remains the most common form of tobacco use.Use of other tobacco products—including cigars, blunts, smokeless tobacco, heated tobacco, and hookah—also declined, with fewer than one in ten students reporting use.Nicotine pouch use doubled from 1.5% to 3% since 2022, raising concern among health officials due to their youth-appealing flavors and high potential for addiction.
Despite decades of progress, the Department says tobacco remains a significant public health threat, with more than 1.4 million adults in New York still smoking. Officials warn that e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches could threaten continued progress, particularly among young users drawn to flavored products.
The state’s Tobacco Control Program, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, continues to focus on prevention, treatment, and community action. Recent state policies have banned flavored e-cigarettes, raised the minimum purchasing age, and prohibited tobacco price discounting.
The program also funds local initiatives through its Advancing Tobacco-Free Communities and Health Systems for Tobacco-Free New York efforts and provides free cessation resources through the New York State Quitline. The Quitline offers counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, and a new youth-focused text program called DropTheVape, designed to help teens quit vaping.
To learn more or get help quitting, visit DropTheVape.org or contact the New York State Quitline for free.