SAFE GC Coalition: Youth Openness to Cigarette Smoking in NY Reaches High

According to a recent report from the New York State Tobacco Control Program, while New York State has made significant progress reducing cigarette use among young people, this report highlights a concerning shift in attitudes as some young people remain open to smoking. Openness to smoking means not having made a firm decision to avoid smoking in the near future. Because nearly all cigarette use begins during adolescence, openness to smoking is an important early warning sign for future cigarette use.

In 2024, approximately 1 in 5 middle and high school students who have never smoked reported openness to smoking, the highest level on record. Despite historically low youth cigarette smoking rates, openness now exceeds levels seen when youth smoking was far more common. This increase suggests a shift in youth attitudes towards smoking and is concerning given the established link between openness and future smoking behaviors.

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While cigarette use among youth remains at a historic low since 2000 due to effective prevention efforts, sustained investment in comprehensive tobacco control efforts that include public education campaigns, youth engagement, retail and marketing restrictions, and proven policy strategies is essential to counter the influence of tobacco industry marketing and to reinforce consistent smoke-free norms.

SAFE, Inc. is the only alcohol and substance abuse prevention, intervention, and education agency in the City of Glen Cove. Its Coalition is concerned with cigarette smoking and all combustible and electronic products with tobacco especially in youth as their brains are still developing. The Agency employs environmental strategies to educate and update the community regarding the negative consequences of smoking and vaping. To learn more about the SAFE Glen Cove Coalition please follow www.facebook.com/safeglencovecoalition or to learn more about electronic products visit the Youth and Tobacco Use and Vaping Facts and Myths Pages of SAFE’s website to learn more about how vaping is detrimental to your health at www.safeglencove.org.