NYS Youth Tobacco Use Down 29% Since 2022, Lowest Since 2000

Oct.24.2025
NYS Youth Tobacco Use Down 29% Since 2022, Lowest Since 2000
According to the New York State Department of Health’s latest StatShot (Vol.17, #2025-1), high school tobacco product use in 2024 fell to 17.0%, the lowest rate since 2000, marking a 29% decline from 2022. E-cigarette use decreased from 18.7% to 13.1%, while cigarette use remained low at 2.4%.However, nicotine pouch use increased from 1.5% to 3.0%.

 

Key Highlights (Expanded)

 

  • Overall youth tobacco use dropped to 17.0%, the lowest since data collection began in 2000 — a 29% decline since 2022.
  • E-cigarette use fell to 13.1%, down from 18.7% in 2022 and 27.4% in 2018.
  • Cigarette smoking remains low at 2.4%, a 91% decline from 27.1% in 2000.
  • Other tobacco use decreased to 9.9%, though nicotine pouch use doubled to 3.0%.
  • State laws since 2020 include bans on pharmacy tobacco sales, flavored vape products, and school-area advertising.

 


 

2Firsts, October 23, 2025 — According to the New York State Department of Health’s StatShot (Vol.17, #2025-1), youth tobacco use among high school students in New York reached a record low of 17.0% in 2024, down from 23.9% in 2022, marking a 29% decline.

 

E-cigarette use, though still the most prevalent form of tobacco consumption among teens, declined from 18.7% to 13.1% over the same period. Cigarette use held steady at 2.4%, a dramatic 91% drop from the 27.1% recorded in 2000.

 

Usage of other tobacco products, including cigars, smokeless tobacco, hookah, blunts, and nicotine pouches, decreased from 12.8% to 9.9%, while nicotine pouch use rose from 1.5% to 3.0%.

 

NYS Youth Tobacco Use Down 29% Since 2022, Lowest Since 2000
Report data | Source: StatShot

 

Health officials warn that nicotine exposure during adolescence leads to addiction and brain harm. Since 2020, the state has enforced pharmacy tobacco sales bans, flavor restrictions on vape products, and limitations on discounts and school-area advertising. The department stresses that continued surveillance is essential to track emerging nicotine products and ensure health equity.

 

 

Image source: New York State Department of Health / StatShot Vol.17.

 

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