Youth tobacco use in Indiana has dropped to its lowest level in two decades, according to the 2024 Indiana Youth Tobacco Survey (IYTS) released on June 24, 2025.
The report highlights significant declines in both cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use among high school students, marking a milestone in public health efforts.
E-cigarette use, which peaked at 18.5% in 2018, has plummeted to 5%, its lowest level since data collection began in 2012. Cigarette smoking has also seen a dramatic decrease, dropping from 31.6% in 2000 to its lowest point on record.
“We are encouraged by the continued decline in youth tobacco and e-cigarette use, yet we remain vigilant in addressing nicotine addiction and the appeal of flavored products,” said Lindsay Weaver, State Health Commissioner. “I am thankful for the tobacco prevention team and many coalitions who have been addressing tobacco prevention for decades.”
Ongoing concerns
Despite these gains, the report reveals that challenges persist.
Flavored tobacco products remain a significant draw for young users, with many reporting frequent use of e-cigarettes and oral nicotine pouches. The survey found that 46% of high school e-cigarette users reported vaping 20 or more days in the past month, a sign of dependence.
Additionally, many Indiana youth who have never used tobacco are still at risk of future use. The survey revealed that approximately 1 in 4 youth who have never smoked cigarettes and 1 in 5 who have never used e-cigarettes are susceptible to trying them.
“Comprehensive tobacco control programs remain essential to reducing youth tobacco use,” said Miranda Spitznagle, director of Tobacco Prevention and Cessation at the Indiana Department of Health. “By working together — parents, schools, health care providers, and community organizations — we can continue protecting young Hoosiers from the harms of commercial tobacco products.”
Youth want to quit
The IYTS found that many youth want to quit tobacco.
More than 70% of middle school users and over 50% of high school users reported attempting to quit in the past year. However, most tried to quit “cold turkey” without using cessation resources, underscoring the need for more support.
Indiana offers free tobacco cessation resources for youth, including the Live Vape Free program, available at livevapefree.com. Young Hoosiers aged 13 and older can also access support through Quit Now Indiana by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW or texting READY to 34191.
Comprehensive approach
The IYTS is a biennial survey that collects data from Indiana public school students in grades 6–12. It tracks tobacco use, secondhand smoke exposure, advertising impact, and cessation efforts, providing a comprehensive snapshot of youth tobacco behaviors across the state.
As Indiana celebrates declining tobacco use among its youth, health leaders emphasize the importance of continued prevention and education efforts to address emerging risks and maintain progress.
For more information, visit the Indiana Department of Health’s tobacco control website at in.gov/health/tpc.
This reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis African-American Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights. https://iaaqli.org/
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
