A new study suggests the gender gap in teen vaping has reversed, with adolescent girls now vaping at higher rates than boys. The findings highlight why parents need to understand changing nicotine-use trends and talk with their children about the risks of e-cigarettes.
A study from the Medical University of South Carolina, published in JAMA Pediatrics in October 2026, found that girls have been vaping at higher rates than boys since 2021. Researchers analyzed a decade of data on U.S. adolescents ages 12 to 17, examining regular vaping rather than teens who had simply tried it once.
Among older teens ages 15 to 17, regular vaping among girls increased from 4.9% in 2021 to 7.8% in 2024. By comparison, 4.6% of boys in the same age group regularly vaped in 2024.
Researchers cautioned that the study did not establish why the shift occurred. “We have to sound the alarm bells for girls,” researcher Benjamin Toll said, emphasizing that prevention efforts must also continue to address boys.
How Many Teens Are Using Vapes and E-Cigarettes?
Although youth vaping rates have declined from their peak, e-cigarettes remain a significant public health concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1.63 million U.S. middle and high school students reported current e-cigarette use in 2024, representing 5.9% of students surveyed.
The figures included 7.8% of high school students and 3.5% of middle school students. Among teens who currently vaped, 87.6% used flavored products, while 26.3% reported vaping every day.
Nicotine is highly addictive and can affect the developing brain, including areas involved in attention, learning, mood and impulse control. The findings underscore why parents should not assume their children are unaffected by vaping simply because overall rates have fallen.
How Can Parents Talk to Teens About Vaping?
Start conversations early and keep them ongoing, rather than waiting until there is evidence a child has started vaping. Ask open-ended questions about what teens see among their friends, on social media and at school, and listen without immediately criticizing their answers.
The American Lung Association recommends a calm, empathetic approach. Adolescent psychologist Lisa Damour explains, “adolescents care what their parents think and take fewer risks when we keep the lines of communication open.”
Parents can explain nicotine addiction, discuss ways to resist peer pressure and make it clear that teens can ask for help without fear of judgment. If a child is already vaping, focus on support and practical steps toward quitting rather than punishment alone.
