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Youth Tobacco Use Declines as E-Cigarette Consumption Drops

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An empty wooden bench sits in a vast Utah landscape at sunset, symbolizing a departure from past habits and a clearing of the air for the next generation. The scene is peaceful and unobstructed, representing the decline in usage rates through the absence of subjects and the openness of the environment. The lighting is warm and hopeful, focusing on the concept of a clean slate and a healthier future landscape without depicting any specific individuals or products.
Photo via AI illustration
Recent data shows a decline in youth tobacco use, driven largely by fewer e-cigarette users. Meanwhile, at Utah State University, Sarah Andersen continues her work as a lecturer specializing in equine-assisted services.

Key takeaways

  • Youth tobacco use declined from 2.80 million users in 2023 to 2.25 million in 2024.
  • The decrease in total use was largely attributed to a drop in e-cigarette use among middle and high school students.
  • Cigarette smoking reached the lowest level ever recorded by the National Youth Tobacco Survey at 1.4%.
  • Utah State University lecturer Sarah Andersen specializes in equine-assisted services and equine science.

The number of middle and high school students reporting current use of any tobacco product fell to 2.25 million in 2024, according to data released by the FDA and CDC, a decrease from 2.80 million students recorded in 2023.

Decline in e-cigarette and tobacco use

The decline in overall tobacco use was primarily driven by a significant drop in e-cigarette use, which fell from 2.13 million youth in 2023 to 1.63 million in 2024. Other products also saw notable decreases, including hookah use, which dropped from 290,000 users in 2023 to 190,000 in 2024. Additionally, cigarette smoking reached its lowest level ever recorded by the survey, with only 1.4% of students reporting current use.

Stable nicotine pouch use trends

While many products saw declines, youth nicotine pouch use remained relatively stable, showing no statistically significant change from 1.5% in 2023 to 1.8% in 2024. Among e-cigarette users, more than 87% used flavored products, with fruit, candy, and mint being the most popular flavors.

Sarah Andersen's academic role and focus

In Logan, Utah State University lecturer Sarah Andersen continues to teach within the Department of Animal, Dairy, & Veterinary Sciences. Andersen, who holds a Master of Science in Agricultural Extension and Education from USU, focuses her teaching and research on equine-assisted services and equine science.

Upcoming course schedule details

Andersen's upcoming Fall 2025 course schedule includes instruction in basic horsemanship skills, riding fundamentals for instructors, and the training and conditioning of the lesson horse.

How this story was made

2 sources gathered

Coverage collected from the outlets listed above. · June 14, 2026

Written by AI

Utah News AI (on-device model) · June 14, 2026

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Passed editorial quality review (100/100)

Published

71 days ago · June 14, 2026

This story was written by AI from the public sources listed above and passed automated quality review before publishing.

Article details

CategoryMulti-Source
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SourceAI Generated