Central New York Regional Center for Tobacco Health Systems Responds to Alarming Trends in New York Youth Tobacco Survey Findings
The Central New York Regional Center for Tobacco Health Systems at St. Joseph’s Health is sounding the alarm on the recently released 2022 New York Youth Tobacco Survey, which highlights both progress and troubling trends in youth tobacco use.
This crucial report, from the New York State Department of Health, reveals eye-opening insights into how youth perceive tobacco, their behaviors, and the critical challenges that remain in the fight against nicotine addiction. With rising concerns over e-cigarette use and flavored products, the survey emphasizes the urgent need for continued action to protect the next generation from tobacco’s harmful effects.
Among the findings, the decline in cigarette smoking and overall tobacco use is notable, with a drop from 30.6% to 21.1% of New York youth reporting any tobacco product use between 2018 and 2022. However, e-cigarette use remains a critical concern, with 18.7% of high school students reporting use in 2022, down from 27.4% in 2018. Despite the decline, e-cigarette use among youth remains a significant public health issue, with a growing number of students reporting frequent vaping, particularly among high schoolers.
Kristen Richardson, RN, CTTS, Director of the CNY Regional Center for Tobacco Health Systems and Director of Tobacco Free Communities Delaware, Otsego & Schoharie, stressed the importance of continued efforts to protect youth from tobacco use.
“While we’re seeing some progress in reducing tobacco use overall, the prevalence of e-cigarette use among youth remains alarming,” said Richardson. “It is crucial that we continue to support initiatives that focus on tobacco prevention, especially those targeting the marketing tactics of the tobacco industry that specifically aim to recruit young people. By implementing stronger policies, expanding educational campaigns, and offering cessation resources, we can help prevent nicotine addiction before it takes hold and disrupts their future.”
Key findings from the survey include:
A significant decline in cigarette smoking and overall tobacco product use among New York youth since 2000, with a recent drop from 30.6% to 21.1% between 2018 and 2022.
E-cigarette use remains the leading factor in youth tobacco product use, with 18.7% of high school students reporting use in 2022.
Nearly 55% of middle and high school students who currently vape express a desire to quit, highlighting the opportunity to support youth in overcoming addiction.
Over one in five high school students reported vaping cannabis, smoking cannabis, or using blunts within the past month.
Flavored e-cigarettes continue to be a predominant issue, with nearly 90% of high school students who use e-cigarettes reporting the use of flavored products.
The CNY Regional Center for Tobacco Health Systems at St. Joseph’s Health remains committed to supporting New York’s Tobacco Control Program by advocating for comprehensive measures to protect youth. These include restricting flavored tobacco, limiting marketing aimed at young people, and expanding cessation programs like Quitline to ensure that youth have the resources they need to quit.
“It’s imperative that we continue to educate our communities about the dangers of nicotine and tobacco and support our youth in making healthy choices that will benefit their long-term well-being. We must also prioritize legislative efforts to curb tobacco industry influence and ensure that comprehensive tobacco control measures are implemented across the state,” said Richardson.
Link to the full report: Highlights from the 2022 New York Youth Tobacco Survey
