Finger Lakes Coalition Warns of Rise in Youth Smoking Interest

Finger Lakes, New York—May 27, 2026 – The Tobacco Action Coalition of the Finger Lakes is raising concerns over new state data showing that more young people in New York are open to trying cigarettes.

The coalition highlighted a recent report from the New York State Department of Health that found youth openness to cigarette smoking reached its highest recorded level in 2024. The report is based on data collected through the New York Youth Tobacco Survey between 2000 and 2024.

According to the report, about one in five middle and high school students in New York who have never smoked said they may be open to smoking in the future.

Health officials say that openness to smoking is considered an early warning sign for future tobacco use.

Read the full press release here: https://www.fingerlakesdailynews.com/local/finger-lakes-coalition-warns-of-rise-in-youth-smoking-interest/

FL News