In the United States, adolescent brain development is an important part of the broader discussion about electronic cigarettes, nicotine, public health, and regulation. Youth vaping has been one of the most significant public-health issues associated with e-cigarettes in the United States. CDC data show that e-cigarettes have been the most commonly used tobacco product among U.S. youth since 2014. In 2024, 1.63 million middle and high school students reported current e-cigarette use, representing 5.9% of students in those grades. Use was 3.5% among middle school students and 7.8% among high school students. Although youth use has declined substantially from earlier peaks, federal agencies continue to emphasize prevention because nicotine exposure during adolescence can produce addiction and affect the developing brain. For that reason, national surveillance and regulatory information are useful when discussing the subject without overstating what the evidence proves.
click here