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Youth Openness to Cigarette Smoking in New York has Reached Highest Level on Record

New data reveals that approximately 1 in 5 students who have never smoked now report being “open” to the idea, defined as not having made a firm decision to avoid smoking in the near future.

The New York State Department of Health announced the release of new data showing that approximately 1 in 5 students who have never smoked now report being “open” to the idea. Open to smoking is defined as not having made a firm decision to avoid cigarette smoking in the near future. This high level of openness to smoking is derived from the New York Youth Tobacco Survey, 2000-2024 and is the highest level on record since the state began collecting this data in 2000.

Thanks to effective prevention efforts, New York State has nearly eliminated youth smoking—2.4% in 2024, down from 27% in 2000. This new openness report, however, highlights a concerning shift in attitudes. Since nearly all cigarette use begins during adolescence, this increase in youth openness to smoking is an important early warning sign for future cigarette use.

“This new information points to the renormalization of tobacco use, something we’re seeing increasingly on social media and in our own communities,” said Simona Fish, Community Engagement Coordinator for Capital District Tobacco Free Communities. “Given these trends, the FDA’s recent decision to authorize fruit-flavored vapes is especially troubling. Although New York law prohibits the sale of flavored vapes/e-cigarettes, it exempts FDA-authorized products, meaning these flavored vapes can now be sold in the state.”

Advocacy groups like the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids argue that making fruit-flavored vapes legally available, even for adults, creates a new pipeline for nicotine addiction. We know youth who use e-cigarettes are more likely to smoke cigarettes. Maintaining the state’s strong, comprehensive Tobacco Control Program—including a focus on public education campaigns, youth engagement, the tobacco retail landscape and proven policy strategies—is essential to counter the influence of tobacco industry marketing and to reinforce consistent smoke-free norms.

StatShot New York State Tobacco Control Program, Vol. 18, #2 Release Date: 2026

Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in New York State, making continued investment in prevention critical to protecting future generations.