Indiana youth tobacco use hits 20-year low as e-cigarette use drops significantly

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Fewer high schoolers are using tobacco and e-cigarettes.

That's according to information in a news release from the Indiana Department of Health's 2024 Youth Tobacco Survey, which indicates youth tobacco use is at its lowest level in two decades.

E-cigarette use among high schoolers has dropped to 5%, the lowest it's been since data collection began in 2012; the most was in 2018, with 18.5%, according to the release.

Cigarette smoking among youth is at its lowest level since data collection began in 2000; however, nicotine addiction concerns still remain due to flavored tobacco products, frequent e-cigarette use, and the rising popularity of oral nicotine pouches

The Indiana Department of Public Health is still urging continued prevention efforts, as Indiana youth who have never used tobacco products before are still susceptible to future use.

The survey collected data from Indiana public school students in grades 6 through 12 on tobacco use, secondhand smoke exposure, access to tobacco products, advertising, and cessation efforts.

The most commonly used tobacco product is still e-cigarettes, with 15,000 high school students and 5,000 middle school students currently using e-cigarettes.

The survey also found that many youths who use tobacco want to quit, but majority attempt to do so without support resources, highlighting the need for cessation assistance.

"Comprehensive tobacco control programs remain essential to reducing youth tobacco use," said Miranda Spitznagle, director of Tobacco Prevention and Cessation at the Indiana Department of Health.

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