Teen vaping statistics, trends and facts
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Vaping has emerged as one of the most prevalent behaviors among teens in recent years. Marketed as a safer alternative to traditional smoking, e-cigarettes and vape pens have rapidly gained popularity among adolescents. However, increasing studies and surveys reveal serious health concerns, high rates of youth adoption and misconceptions about its safety.
This comprehensive guide outlines the most up-to-date statistics and facts about teen vaping, providing a data-rich resource for educators, administrators and public health professionals.
Teen vaping statistics: Age, methods and demographics
According to the CDC in 2024, e-cigarettes were the most commonly used tobacco product among middle and high school students in the U.S1. Below are some key statistics that highlight the trend:
- 7.8% of high school students (1.21 million) reported current e-cigarette use in 2024
- 3.5% of middle school students reported current e-cigarette use
- 5.9% of middle and high school students combined reported current e-cigarette use
- Disposable e-cigarettes are the most commonly used device type
- Fruit flavors remain the most popular among youth
Age
Based on research from the CDC, vaping use varies in popularity based on age group.
Middle school students
- 3.5% report current e-cigarette use
High school students
- 7.8% use e-cigarettes currently
Current use and vaping methods
Additionally, statistics highlight some interesting trends in current use. Among students who had ever used e-cigarettes, 43.6% reported current use.
Among students who currently use e-cigarettes:
- 87.6% used flavored e-cigarettes.
- 38.4% used an e-cigarette on at least 20 of the last 30 days.
- 26.3% used an e-cigarette every day.
Among students who currently use e-cigarettes, the most to least popular methods are:
- 55.6% used disposable e-cigarettes.
- 15.6% used prefilled or refillable pods or cartridges.
- 7.0% used tanks or mod systems.
The most commonly reported brands are Elf Bar, Breeze and Mr. Fog.
Most middle and high school students who vape want to quit and have tried to quit at least once.
In 2020:
- 63.9% of students who currently use e-cigarettes reported wanting to quit.
- 67.4% of students who currently use e-cigarettes reported trying to quit in the last year.
Demographics
Some demographic groups of middle and high school students use e-cigarettes at a higher percentage than others. In 2024, for example, the CDC found that more females than males reported current use of e-cigarettes and that this varies by ethnicity.
- Non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native students: 11.5%
- Non-Hispanic Black or African American students: 7.0%
- Non-Hispanic multiracial students: 6.6%
- Hispanic or Latino students: 6.1%
- Non-Hispanic White students: 5.9%
- Non-Hispanic Asian students: 2.3%
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Vaping statistics: Health impacts and consequences
Vaping has a series of health impacts. As of 2020, over 2,500 patients have been hospitalized with e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury (EVALI), 15% of whom were below the age of 18.2
Health impacts
Common side effects of vaping include:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fatuige
- Coughing
- Chronic lung infections
Long-term risks of vaping include:
- Lung damage
- Nicotine addiction
- Cognitive impacts3
- Impaired brain development in youth
- Memory and attention problems
Social and behavioral consequences of vaping
Vaping not only has health impacts for youth, but it has also been shown to have social and behavioral consequences. Recent research has shown that teens who vape are more likely to try cigarettes and other substances.4
Additionally, research has shown that vaping has been linked to lower academic performance5, and students who regularly vape report higher anxiety and depression rates6. Due to these risks, schools have begun to use vape detection technology, such as Halo Smart Sensors, to deter vaping.
Vaping facts and statistics roundup
- Vape aerosol contains harmful chemicals.7
- Nicotine can harm adolescent brain development.8
- Teens who vape are more likely to smoke cigarettes later.9
- Over 1.2 million U.S. teens vape regularly.
- Most teens who vape experiment with flavored products.
- Many vape products contain higher nicotine than cigarettes.10
- Most e-cigarettes are not FDA approved.11
- Vape batteries can cause explosions or burns.12
- Withdrawal from nicotine can cause irritability, headaches and sleep issues.13
Why teen vaping statistics matter
Understanding statistics about vaping helps uncover the real impact it has on youth health and behavior. These numbers inform public policy, guide school prevention programs and educate parents and teachers. The more we understand these patterns, the better equipped we are to combat rising rates and promote healthier choices for teens.
FAQs
Sources
- https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/e-cigarettes/youth
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8906560/
- https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/vaping-and-your-brain-what-to-know.h00-159696756.html
- https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/e-cigarettes
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8595658/
- https://newsroom.heart.org/news/depression-anxiety-symptoms-linked-to-vaping-nicotine-and-thc-in-teens-and-young-adults
- https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking/e-cigarettes-vaping/whats-in-an-e-cigarette
- https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/e-cigarettes/health-effects
- https://truthinitiative.org/research-resources/emerging-tobacco-products/young-people-who-vape-are-much-more-likely-become
- https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2024/12/429131/believe-it-or-not-1-vape-has-20-cigarettes-worth-nicotine
- https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/products-ingredients-components/e-cigarettes-vapes-and-other-electronic-nicotine-delivery-systems-ends
- https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/products-ingredients-components/tips-help-avoid-vape-battery-fires-or-explosions
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21587-nicotine-withdrawal