The Alarming Dangers of Youth Tobacco, Vaping, and E-Cigarette Use

Youth tobacco use, including e-cigarettes and vaping, remains a critical public health concern in the U.S. Despite ongoing efforts to curb underage access to these products, the numbers are troubling. The rise of flavored nicotine products, such as e-cigarettes, has created a perfect storm for the health of young people. The addictive nature of these products, coupled with their targeted marketing to youth, has amplified the urgency of addressing this issue. Without intervention, the long-term consequences on public health could be devastating, particularly for the younger generation. Addressing this challenge demands collective action from policymakers, businesses, and communities to protect youth and safeguard their future.

The State of Youth Tobacco Use in 2023-2024

Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals concerning statistics about the prevalence of tobacco product use among youth. According to the CDC, 5.9% of high school students in 2024 reported using e-cigarettes, making them the most commonly used tobacco product among young people​

While this is a slight decline from previous years, the numbers remain alarmingly high, especially when considering the potential long-term health impacts.

The National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) from 2023 also highlighted that approximately 2.1 million middle and high school students continue to use e-cigarettes. The survey showed that flavors, particularly fruit-flavored e-cigarettes, are a significant draw for young users, with over 87% of these students reporting using flavored products.​

This reliance on flavored products has led to significant concern about how these products are marketed, with youth appealing to flavors such as menthol, mint, and fruit, which mask the harshness of nicotine and make it more accessible and enjoyable for younger users.

As the availability of flavored nicotine products continues to grow, the challenge for regulators and public health advocates remains to balance the right of adult smokers to access these products while safeguarding younger populations from addiction. Some progress has been made, with the FDA taking action to limit the sale of flavored e-cigarettes and more stringent regulations on marketing tactics aimed at young people​.

Why This Is a Problem

The risks of nicotine exposure during adolescence are profound. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance, and young brains are especially vulnerable to its effects. Nicotine exposure can impair brain development, affecting learning, memory, and attention. Moreover, early exposure to nicotine can increase the likelihood of developing lifelong nicotine addiction.

The connection between nicotine use in youth and the development of other health issues is also significant. Studies have shown that teens who start using nicotine are more likely to experiment with other substances like tobacco cigarettes, marijuana, and alcohol later in life​.

Furthermore, vaping has been linked to lung damage and other respiratory issues. The 2019-2020 outbreak of EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury) left many young people hospitalized, some of whom experienced life-threatening conditions.​

Although the epidemic of EVALI appears to have diminished, the long-term effects of vaping on lung health are still unknown, but the risks remain significant.

Nicotine addiction is also associated with a range of mental health concerns, including increased anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. For young people, this can have a lasting impact on their social development and academic performance. Addressing these issues requires not only regulation but a deeper societal effort to prevent early exposure to nicotine.

A Rising Trend: Nicotine Pouches

Another concerning trend is the increased use of nicotine pouches, which in 2024 became the second most commonly used tobacco product among youth, after e-cigarettes. About 1.8% of high school students reported using nicotine pouches, with mint being the most popular flavor.​

These products, which are often marketed as a "cleaner" alternative to smoking, still pose serious risks, especially when young users begin to associate nicotine consumption with a seemingly safer habit. Despite the lack of smoke, the risks of nicotine exposure remain the same, leading to addiction and potential long-term health issues.

The marketing strategies behind nicotine pouches also share similarities with e-cigarette tactics, targeting younger audiences through discreet, easy-to-use formats that do not carry the stigma of traditional smoking. As more youth become accustomed to nicotine pouches, there is concern that they could become the next major tool in fueling nicotine addiction among teens.

As these trends continue, the focus must be placed on ensuring that new forms of nicotine delivery do not replace one harmful trend with another.

Combating the Vaping Epidemic

Efforts to curb underage tobacco and e-cigarette use have been gaining momentum. In response to the surge in vaping among teens, the FDA has implemented stricter regulations, including banning certain flavored e-cigarettes and requiring more stringent age verification for online sales.​

However, these efforts must be accompanied by comprehensive education campaigns, increased enforcement at the retail level, and proactive measures from businesses that sell these products.

Retailers play an essential role in preventing underage access to tobacco and vaping products. The implementation of policies like age verification for every purchase, staff training on the importance of checking IDs, and regular checks on product displays can make a significant difference. Additionally, mock stings, or simulated compliance tests, are a critical tool to identify gaps in a business's age-verification processes and help ensure that retailers are following the law.

One striking statistic highlights the urgency of these measures: among youth who used e-cigarettes in 2023, 45% reported vaping on at least 20 of the past 30 days, which is a clear indication of habitual use and nicotine dependence (National Youth Tobacco Survey, via the American Lung Association). This level of frequent use underscores the addictive nature of these products and reinforces the importance of strict age-verification protocols.

Mock stings offer a powerful way for businesses to ensure compliance. These simulated operations help test whether age-verification measures are working effectively and provide insight into areas where staff may need further training. By conducting regular mock stings, businesses not only comply with regulations but also contribute to the broader effort to protect young people from the dangers of nicotine addiction and other health risks associated with tobacco use.

The Road Ahead

While the decline in tobacco use among youth over the past few years is encouraging, the war is far from won. As data from the CDC shows, there are still too many youth using tobacco and vaping products, and many continue to be exposed to the harmful effects of nicotine at a young age.​

To protect the health of our youth, it’s crucial that parents, educators, and businesses remain vigilant. By keeping up-to-date with the latest research, maintaining robust compliance standards, and implementing preventive strategies like mock stings, we can make significant strides in curbing youth tobacco use.

The regulatory environment for tobacco products continues to evolve, and it’s vital for businesses to stay informed about the latest laws, fines, and best practices to ensure compliance. This ongoing vigilance will help to protect the health and well-being of our next generation.

Building a Safer Future with Compliance

With the rise of underage tobacco, vaping, and e-cigarette use, businesses selling these age-restricted products face heightened scrutiny and regulatory requirements. Stinger Compliance helps businesses navigate these challenges by offering mock stings and compliance services designed to ensure that retailers meet age verification standards and enforce responsible sales practices. These proactive measures not only help businesses stay compliant with the law but also play a crucial role in preventing underage access to harmful products, ultimately fostering safer communities.

Sign up your business for a mock sting with Stinger Compliance to ensure responsible, lawful tobacco, vape, and e-cigarette sales.