More than a generation ago, the smoking rate among high school students in New York stood at 27.1% in 2000. But 21 years later, the smoking rate among high schoolers has dropped to less than 3%, according to a survey released Monday by the state Department of Health. 

At the same time, youth tobacco use has declined across all products, including a drop in e-cigarette use for the first time. 

"These milestones demonstrate the overwhelming success of New York’s tobacco control program in reducing cigarette smoking among young people in New York State, and we will continue to take evidence-based action to safeguard New York youth from the nicotine addiction that tobacco products can cause. Smoking any substance can cause serious health problems," Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said.

New York in recent years has moved to curtail the marketplace for tobacco products. 

The decline in tobacco product usage, including e-cigarette products, comes after the state increased the minimum age to buy tobacco and vaping products from 18 to 21 in 2019. The state also moved to ban the sale of flavored e-liquids and the online sale of e-cigarettes. 

The sale of tobacco in pharmacies has also ended, as well as the use of coupons and price promotions.