US teens are smoking and vaping less than their peers abroad

In 2025, a recent survey conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealed that smoking among American youths aged 11 to 18 is at an all-time low, with just 1.4% currently smoking. This figure marks a significant decline from the peak of 36% in 1997, when smoking rates were at their highest. The use of nicotine vapes, also known as e-cigarettes, has dropped to 5.2%, the lowest it's been since peaking in 2019.

However, the use of nicotine pouches, small pouches placed between the lip and gum, has risen to 1.7% and remains relatively stable. Experts suggest that vaping might have contributed to reducing smoking rates among older individuals, as e-cigarettes serve as a substitute for traditional cigarettes. While vaping poses fewer health risks than smoking, it is not risk-free, as it can be highly addictive and lead to various long-term health issues.

Comparing U.S. youth tobacco and nicotine use with that of their peers in other countries, such as Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, and the U.K., shows that U.S. youth have lower smoking rates but higher rates of vaping. The reasons behind this difference are unclear, but it may align with the FDA's findings on decreasing smoking and low rates of nicotine pouch use among U.S. youths aged 11 to 18.

Despite the overall decline in smoking rates among American adults, the country still has a higher smoking prevalence compared to Canada, Germany, and other countries. This highlights the importance of continued public health efforts to combat tobacco and nicotine use, particularly among younger generations.