South Dakota Released 2025 Youth Tobacco Survey Results
The biennial survey revealed shifting nicotine usage trends among the state's middle school students.
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 findings from its 2025 Youth Tobacco Survey, which tracked nicotine consumption habits among middle schoolers. The report highlighted that while trial rates for nicotine products have declined compared to 2023, the percentage of current daily users has seen a slight increase.
Why it matters
Understanding these usage patterns is essential for public health efforts, as research indicates that students who experiment with nicotine are significantly more likely to live in households where family members also use nicotine products.
In 2025, 9.6% of middle schoolers reported trying nicotine, while 4.7% are current users. Additionally, 6.6% have tried e-cigarettes, with 80% of those users preferring non-tobacco flavors.
The players
South Dakota Department of Health
This state agency is responsible for overseeing public health initiatives, monitoring disease trends, and conducting community health surveys throughout South Dakota.
The details
The survey results show that 4.3% of South Dakota middle schoolers have experimented with traditional cigarettes, a figure evaluated against national data of 3.6%. Demographic breakdowns further indicate that 19.4% of Native American middle schoolers in the state have tried nicotine products.
Timeline
The state began conducting these biennial surveys in 2003.
E-cigarette usage among middle schoolers peaked in the state in 2019.
Comparison data for nicotine usage was collected in 2023.
The data collection period for the most recent report occurred in 2025.
Culture Shift
This data update follows the 2019 South Dakota youth e-cigarette usage peak that previously signaled a major shift in adolescent consumption habits. It tracks how current patterns have evolved relative to that documented high-water mark.
Parents and educators can use these findings to identify specific risk factors within their households or schools. The data highlights a need for targeted interventions for students, particularly given the higher trial rates reported among certain demographic groups.
The takeaway
Parents should remain vigilant as household nicotine exposure continues to be a primary predictor of student usage. Open communication remains one of the most effective tools for reducing the likelihood that middle schoolers will begin experimenting with these products.
Further reading
For broader context on current educational and student health initiatives, see 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?
