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With each new school year comes new classes, new friends, new memories – and new challenges. This fall, we’re watching trends in nicotine and substance use that are putting kids and teens in danger.  

Read about our top four trends to know:  

E-cigarettes: Good news: Youth vaping has decreased over the past two years, according to the latest Virginia Youth Survey!  However, more than 8% of high schoolers and more than 4% of middle schoolers in Virginia still use e-cigarettes. That’s far too many kids who are consuming highly addictive nicotine. Some research also suggests that, while the youth vaping crisis may be affecting fewer kids, it is getting worse in severity: Vaping-related emergency room visits in Virginia more than doubled between 2020 and 2023. Clearly, there is still work to be done to prevent youth tobacco product use. We’re also keeping an eye on nicotine-free e-cigarettes and “aromatherapy diffusers,” the tobacco industry’s latest attempt to get kids initiated into their dangerous products.

Nicotine pouches: Vaping isn’t the only way young people are getting hooked on nicotine. Earlier this year, we sounded the alarm on Zyn and nicotine pouches, the latest nicotine product to go viral on TikTok. These small pouches are popular with youth for their flavors and discreet use. They aren’t showing any signs of slowing down: Zyn sales were 80% higher in early 2024 compared to the same time last year.

Fentanyl: Sadly, the fentanyl crisis rages on in Virginia. Fentanyl plays a role in 8 out of 10 overdose deaths. It is vital that youth understand the dangers of this substance, how to avoid it, and what to do in case of an overdose. Teachers, counselors, afterschool program leaders, and others who work with children can use our free fentanyl prevention lessons to help keep youth safe from the deadly drug. Download the free lessons here, now available in English and Spanish!

Mental health: We’ll end on a positive note: Youth mental health and substance use rates appear to be improving. The latest Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a nationwide survey conducted by the CDC every other year, reported small but meaningful decreases in mental health indicators like persistent sadness and hopelessness and suicidal ideation. Poor mental health and substance use are deeply correlated, so it’s not surprising that the survey also found decreases in marijuana and prescription opioid use.  

Want to hear the latest and most impactful updates on youth health? Check out our events calendar and join a free webinar or workshop.