2018 NYTS Data: A Startling Rise in Youth E-cigarette Use

Recent findings from the 2018 National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) raised serious red flags about teen vaping trends in the United States. The data shows more than 3.6 million middle and high school students were using e-cigarettes in 2018 – a sharp jump from the previous year. This nationally representative survey, funded by the FDA and CDC, tracks tobacco use among teens and has shown that while rates of e-cigarette use had previously declined between 2015 and 2017, those gains were quickly erased by a dramatic surge in 2018.

Vaping Skyrockets Among High School Students

In just one year, e-cigarette use among high schoolers jumped by a staggering 78%, climbing from 11.7% in 2017 to 20.8% in 2018. That translates to over 3 million students actively vaping. Even more concerning, a growing number reported frequent use, with nearly 28% of current users saying they vaped on 20 or more days in the last month.

Flavored Vapes Drive Teen Use

The appeal of flavors remains a significant factor in teen vaping. Between 2017 and 2018, flavored e-cigarette use among high school students grew significantly. Usage of any flavored variety rose from 60.9% to 67.8%, and menthol flavors alone increased from 42.3% to 51.2% among all e-cigarette users. Among teens who only vaped and didn’t use other tobacco products, menthol use jumped even more, from 21.4% to 38.1%.

Why does this matter? Flavored tobacco products are known to be especially attractive to young users and are often cited as one of the top reasons teens start vaping. Research shows that teens whose first tobacco experience is flavored are more likely to continue using these products long-term.

Middle School Students Are Not Exempt

While high school numbers are alarming, middle school trends are also moving in the wrong direction. Between 2017 and 2018, vaping among middle schoolers rose by 48%, bringing the total to 4.9% of students, or around 570,000 kids, who reported using e-cigarettes.

What’s Fueling This Trend?

Researchers believe that the surge in teen vaping may be linked to the rise of devices like JUUL, which resemble USB flash drives and are easy to hide. These products are not only discreet but also contain high levels of nicotine and are sold in a variety of sweet or minty flavors – factors that make them especially appealing to young users.

Bigger Picture: Vaping Reverses Tobacco Progress

The increase in vaping has pushed overall youth tobacco use higher. Among high schoolers, overall tobacco use rose 38%, and for middle schoolers, it jumped 29% – a significant setback after years of steady declines.

This trend is troubling for many reasons. Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., and nicotine exposure during adolescence can alter brain development. It can also contribute to issues such as increased impulsivity, mood disorders, and addiction. Additionally, studies suggest that teens who vape are more likely to try traditional cigarettes later.

The FDA’s Response

Recognizing the threat, the FDA continues working to protect youth from tobacco harm. This includes stricter rules to limit access, efforts to crack down on youth-targeted marketing, and education campaigns aimed at teens and retailers alike.

No tobacco product is safe for youth, and the sharp rise in vaping shows just how urgent the issue has become.