By the best statistics, about 50% of high school students vape, based on a survey asking kids what percentage of their friends vape.

Nov 8, 2026

Previously: By the best statistics, about 50% of high school students vape, based on a survey asking kids what percentage of their friends vape. [Distorted]: Calley Means called about 50% the best statistic for teen vaping, then explained it came from a survey asking kids how many of their friends vape, while kids reporting their own use came in near 5%. Actual use is far below half: the federal National Youth Tobacco Survey found 7.1% of high school students currently used e-cigarettes in 2025. A guess about friends measures what teens believe, not how many actually vape, so presenting 50% as the real rate overstates it by about seven times. A large national survey showing current vaping near 50% among high schoolers would prove this wrong.

Now: By the best statistics, about 50% of high school students vape, based on a survey asking kids what percentage of their friends vape. [Distorted]: Means explicitly distinguishes about 5% admitting use from about 50% estimating friends use in an unnamed survey. The latter measures perceived peer behavior, not population prevalence. The 2025 National Youth Tobacco Survey estimated current e-cigarette use at 7.1% of high-school students and 5.2% of middle/high-school students combined. His separate survey cannot be verified without its questionnaire and sample.

Deeper review against transcript context and primary evidence.