Is Smoking an addiction of youth | Youth Tobacco Use

SMOKING AND YOUTH

This fact sheet is for public health officials and others who are interested in information on smoking and other tobacco use by youth. Smoking is dangerous to the health of both young people and older people who have been smoking longer. The chemicals from cigarette smoke damage the human body regardless of age.

Smoking has been a prevalent issue among youth, with detrimental effects on their health as well as those around them. It is crucial for public health officials to understand the severity of this issue and take steps to educate and prevent young individuals from starting this harmful habit. By providing resources and support for smoking cessation programs, we can help create a healthier environment for both current and future generations. Together, we can work towards reducing the impact of tobacco use and promoting overall well-being for all members of society.

Youth and Tobacco Use

Youth use of tobacco products in any form is unsafe.
Preventing tobacco product use among youth is critical to reducing tobacco use among the nation’s youth.
Tobacco product use is started and established primarily during adolescence.^1,2
Nearly 9 out of 10 adults who smoke cigarettes daily first try smoking by age 18.
Flavourings in tobacco products can make them more appealing to youth.
In 2021, 80.2% of high school students and 74.6% of middle school students who used tobacco products in the past 30 days reported using a flavoured tobacco product during that time.
In 2023, 90.3% of high school students and 87.1% of middle school students who used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days reported using a flavoured e-cigarette during that time.

Type Of Smoke Product

Electronic cigarettes (E-cigarettes)
Cigarettes
Cigars
Smokeless Tobacco
Hookah
Heated Tobacco Products
Nicotine Pouches

Electronic cigarettes (E-cigarettes)

E-cigarettes have been the most commonly used tobacco product among youth since 2014.
In 2023, about 1 out of every 22 middle school students (4.6%) reported that they had used electronic cigarettes in the past 30 days. In 2023, 1 of every 10 high school students (10.0%) reported that they had used electronic cigarettes in the past 30 days

Cigarettes

In 2023, about 1 of every 100 middle school students (1.1%) reported that they had smoked cigarettes in the past 30 days.
In 2023, nearly 2 of every 100 high school students (1.9%) reported that they had smoked cigarettes in the past 30 days

Cigars

In 2023, nearly 1 of every 100 middle school students (1.1%) reported that they had smoked cigars in the past 30 days.
In 2023, nearly 2 of every 100 high school students (1.8%) reported that they had smoked cigars in the past 30 days.

Smokeless Tobacco

In 2023, nearly 1 of every 100 middle school students (0.7%) reported that they had used smokeless tobacco in the past 30 days.⁷
In 2023, nearly 2 of every 100 high school students (1.5%) reported that they had used smokeless tobacco in the past 30 days.

Hookah

•In 2023, less than 1 of every 100 middle school students (1.0%) reported that they had smoked hookah in the past 30 days.
•In 2023, about 1 of every 100 high school students (1.1%) reported that they had smoked hookah in the past 30 days.

Heated Tobacco Products

In 2023, less than 1 of every 100 middle school students (0.8%) and about 1 of every 100 high school students (1.0%) reported using heated tobacco products in the past 30 days.
Heated tobacco products, also known as “heat-not-burn” products, deliver nicotine to the user by heating tobacco leaves rather than a nicotine-containing liquid like e-cigarettes.

Nicotine Pouches

In 2023, about 1 of every 100 high school students (1.7%) reported using nicotine pouches in the past 30 days.⁷
Nicotine pouches are microfiber pouches with flavoured nicotine powder that users dissolve in their mouth without spitting. Sales of nicotine pouches have increased rapidly in the U.S.

Demerit Of Tobacco Products :

Health Risks: Tobacco products are known to be extremely harmful to health, increasing the risk of various diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory issues. The chemicals present in tobacco can have detrimental effects on the body, leading to serious health consequences.
Addiction: One of the major drawbacks of tobacco products is their highly addictive nature. Nicotine, a substance found in tobacco, can create a strong dependency, making it difficult for individuals to quit using tobacco products even when they are aware of the health risks involved.
Environmental Impact: The production and consumption of tobacco products have a significant impact on the environment. Tobacco cultivation requires the use of large amounts of water, pesticides, and fertilizers, contributing to environmental degradation and pollution.
Secondhand Smoke: Tobacco products not only harm the individuals who use them but also pose a risk to those around them through secondhand smoke exposure. Non-smokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke are at risk of developing various health conditions, making tobacco products a public health concern.
Social Costs: The use of tobacco products can have negative social implications, affecting relationships, work performance, and overall well-being. Smoking in public spaces can be a source of discomfort for non-smokers and can lead to conflicts between individuals, highlighting the social costs associated with tobacco use.

Many young people use multiple tobacco products.

In 2023, more than 2 of every 100 middle school students (2.5%) and about 1 of every 30 high school students (3.9%) reported current use of multiple tobacco products in the past 30 days.
In 2023, about 6 of every 100 middle school students (6.1%) and more than 12 of every 100 high school students (12.7%) reported they had ever tried multiple tobacco products.
Youth who use multiple tobacco products are at higher risk for developing nicotine dependence and might be more likely to continue using tobacco into adulthood.

All Tobacco Products Use

In 2023, more than 6 of every 100 middle school students (6.6%) and about 1 of every 8 high school students (12.6%) reported current use of a tobacco product.
In 2023, nearly 15 of every 100 middle school students (14.7%) and nearly 28 of every 100 high school students (27.9%) said they had ever tried a tobacco product.