South Dakota Released 2025 Youth Nicotine Survey Results
New data shows how nicotine usage patterns shifted for middle school students across the state.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Secondary Education
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Do you believe home environments are the primary factor in youth nicotine use?
The South Dakota Department of Health released results from the 2025 Youth Tobacco Survey, tracking how many middle schoolers have tried nicotine products. The report highlights shifting trends in both trial and daily usage rates compared to data collected in 2023.
Why it matters
Understanding these habits helps families recognize that children are significantly more likely to try nicotine if they reside in households where family members use these products. These patterns are essential for parents monitoring the health and habits of their children at home.
The survey found that 9.6% of middle schoolers have tried nicotine, down from 10.7% in 2023, while 4.7% currently use nicotine, a slight increase from 4.5% in 2023. Additionally, 6.6% have tried e-cigarettes, with 80% of those users preferring non-tobacco flavors.
The players
South Dakota Department of Health
A state agency responsible for public health monitoring and conducting biennial youth behavioral surveys.
The details
The South Dakota Department of Health has conducted this survey biennially since 2003 to monitor student health trends. The survey tracks various product types, finding that 4.3% of state middle schoolers have tried cigarettes compared to 3.6% nationwide. Researchers analyze these habits to help state health officials understand which youth populations, such as the 19.4% of Native American middle schoolers who reported trying nicotine, may require more targeted outreach.
Timeline
2003: The state began conducting these biennial surveys.
2019: E-cigarette usage among middle schoolers reached its peak.
2023: The state collected the comparative nicotine usage data.
2025: The Department of Health conducted the most recent survey.
The Home Front
This data update follows the 2019 e-cigarette usage peak, which serves as a major reference point for youth tobacco policy. The survey results help contextualize current trends against established historical patterns of student nicotine exposure.
Parents should talk to their children about the influence of household habits, as family nicotine use is a strong predictor of youth experimentation. Use these findings to open a conversation about health risks and the prevalence of non-tobacco flavors that appeal to younger students.
The takeaway
The latest state survey shows a decrease in trial rates but a slight rise in current daily nicotine usage among middle schoolers. Families can use these results to evaluate their own household environment and initiate preventative conversations about nicotine use with their children.
Further reading
Learn more about local trends in Secondary Education.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Watertown Public Opinion.
Live Poll
Do you believe home environments are the primary factor in youth nicotine use?
