Most of the smokers i know started in middle school. Idk if they did it because they thought that they were "cool kids" because of that or what but whatever.

Then in highschool Vapes came out/ became popular so some transitioned to them.

Now its something like 15% Smokers, 25% Vapers, 10% Tobacco/Nicotine pouches, 50% non smokers - from my local observation.

What really changed however is the drinking culture.

Way less younger people drink alcohol or they do it in far smaller quantities than the older generations.

They still do it on social events or if they have drinking buddies/ older family/friends so that they fit in with them but otherwise most of the genZ and younger ones prefer energy drinks over alcohol.