More Teens Using Tobacco Alternatives, Survey Finds

A state survey released this month found that the rate of youths who smoke cigarettes didn’t increase, but those who are using candy flavored or other alternative tobacco products did.

According to the Washington State Department of Health’s biannual Healthy Youth Survey, there were no significant increases in the rate of smokers among sixth-, eight-, 10th- and 12th-graders who participated since a decade ago.

Bridget Vandeventer, spokeswoman at the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, said it’s good news that there wasn’t a significant increase in student smoking, as young adults are making better choices.

Still, there is plenty of room for improvement, she says. For example, 15 percent of high school sophomores in Pierce County said they smoked cigarettes, a figure which the health department says can improve.

“The risk of one kid who is smoking means we should do all we can,” she said.

But cigarettes aside, another potential problem that the health department wants people to know about is the increase in “alternative” tobacco, and nicotine products, which are seemingly targeted at youth characteristics such as their candy flavor.

“These products, such as e-cigarettes, e-hookahs and flavored tobacco, pose the same health risks as cigarettes, and may serve as a dangerous gateway for youth into an ongoing tobacco addiction,” Vandeventer said. “This issue should not be ignored.”

Other results:

- Alcohol is the primary drug of abuse among youth, but the numbers are declining. Since 2008, there are about 11,000 fewer youth drinking alcohol. The message about the risks of prescription drug abuse is starting to get out there — pain medicine abuse is down among 12th graders.

- When students are depressed, abuse substances, are bullied and feel unsafe at school, they’re less likely to succeed academically. About seven percent of 10th graders attempted suicide in the past year — down from the previous survey. Of 10th graders surveyed in 2010, 85 percent said they felt safe at school.

- About 31 percent of 10th graders and 53 percent of 12th graders in the state reported having ever had sexual intercourse. About eight percent of 10th graders and 17 percent of 12th graders reported they had four or more sexual partners. Among those who had ever had sexual intercourse, about 63 percent of 10thgraders and 54 percent of 12th graders reported using a condom the last time they had intercourse.

Click here for the full release, which includes online survey fact sheets.