CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Children across Charlotte are smoking fewer cigarettes and drinking less alcohol, but using more electronic cigarettes and marijuana.
Researchers at UNC Charlotte surveyed 10,000 middle and high school students in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools district.
Researchers found that more than 3 percent of students said they had smoked a cigarette in a 30-day period.
However, when it came to smoking e-cigarettes, the number nearly quadrupled.
Many brands of e-cigarettes have more nicotine than a regular cigarette.
Researchers are calling the trend alarming.
Nearly 13 percent of students surveyed said they drink, which is down from almost 16 percent in 2015.
However, smoking pot outnumbers alcohol use. More than 13 percent of students said they use marijuana.
Researchers said public awareness about the dangers of smoking and drinking are helping children avoid traditional cigarettes and alcohol.
Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:
- Student said he had 'surprise' for teacher before stabbing her, victim's father says
- Rae Carruth settles in Pennsylvania after finishing 18-year prison sentence
- Winning $1.5B Mega Millions ticket sold in Simpsonville, SC
- 9 Investigates: Coal ash site exposed near Lake Norman High School
- Officials identify man found dead in middle of 250-acre Union County field
Cox Media Group
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/LH3JSJEF3VBLRJLJQESEAG34AM.png)
