According to a federal report released earlier this month, just under 20 percent of high school students and 5 percent of middle school students said they recently used electronic cigarettes or other vaping products. A similar survey released in 2019 found that about 28 percent of high schoolers and 11 percent of middle school students vaped recently.
Middle school students saw the largest decline in vaping rates. Experts think last year’s outbreak of vaping related illness may have convinced some teens not to vape but believe other factors including higher age limits and flavor bans are the real reasons for the decline.
Although teen use has declined overall, the report revealed a large increase in the use of disposable e-cigarettes which are exempt from flavor bans and still contain sweet or fruity flavors that are popular with teens.
The survey is conducted at schools around the country each year by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and involves around 20,000 middle and high school students. The survey asks students if they had used any vaping or tobacco products in the previous month.
If you or a teen you know are interested in quitting smoking or vaping, try the “My Life, My Quit” program. The program is free, confidential, and developed for teens who want help quitting all forms of tobacco, including vaping.
Text “Start My Quit” to (855)891-9989 or enroll online at mylifemyquit.org. You can also call (855)891-9989 to talk with a coach that will help connect you with everything you need to quit.