Nicotine addiction overwhelmingly begins in childhood – and family influence remains the strongest factor. Despite decades of progress …
Nicotine Pouches
Nicotine pouches, marketed as a discreet and tobacco-free alternative to smoking and vaping, are becoming increasingly popular. While they may appeal to adult smokers seeking harm reduction, their rise among young people—especially in schools—is a significant public health concern. The colourful packaging, sweet flavours, and discreet use make them particularly attractive to under-18s, raising alarms for parents, educators, and policymakers.
What's The Issue?
Nicotine pouches are small, moist sachets placed under the upper lip, delivering nicotine directly into the bloodstream. Unlike traditional chewing tobacco or snus, these products contain no tobacco but are infused with nicotine and flavourings.
Despite being designed for adult smokers seeking alternatives to smoking, they’ve found a foothold among young people in schools. The lack of visible smoke or vapour allows their use to go unnoticed, making them an easy option for discreet nicotine consumption during lessons or breaks.
Key factors driving their popularity include:
Flavour Appeal: Flavours such as mint, cola, and berry candy make these products highly appealing to young people, masking the taste of nicotine.
Discreet Design: The absence of smoke, odour, and the small size of the pouches makes them easy to hide and use without detection.
Perceived Safety: Many young people mistakenly believe nicotine pouches are harmless because they don’t involve combustion or vaping.
Why It Matters?
Health Risks
Nicotine is a highly addictive substance, and its use during adolescence can interfere with brain development. Long-term effects include:
Impaired memory, learning, and attention.
Increased risk of mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Physical symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and increased heart rate.
Gateway to Smoking
Nicotine pouches may act as a gateway to other tobacco or nicotine products, such as cigarettes or vaping. Young people experimenting with pouches could later develop broader nicotine dependencies.
School Impact
The rise of nicotine pouches has disrupted classrooms across Wales, with reports of young people openly using them during lessons. This behaviour not only affects academic performance but also normalises substance use among peers.
Unregulated Market
Nicotine pouches are less tightly regulated compared to cigarettes and vaping products. Inconsistent labelling, unclear nicotine strength, and the absence of age restrictions in some cases mean these products are easily accessible to minors.
How You Can Help
Parents and Guardians
Talk to your children: Start open and honest conversations about nicotine pouches and their risks. Highlight the health dangers and challenge myths about safety.
Be observant: Look for signs of use, such as frequent trips to the bathroom, a sudden increase in chewing or spitting, or small pouches left behind in pockets or bags.
Teachers and Schools
Raise awareness: Incorporate discussions about nicotine pouches into health and wellbeing lessons.
Update policies: Include nicotine pouches in school substance misuse policies, making their use or possession on school grounds explicitly prohibited.
Seek support: Use our educational resources and staff training programmes to address the issue comprehensively.
Communities and Policy Advocates
Report underage sales: Use platforms like No Ifs, No Butts to report retailers selling nicotine pouches to minors.
Support stronger regulations: Advocate for bans on child-friendly packaging and flavours and stricter enforcement of age restrictions.
Key Stats
- A 2022 survey found that 15% of current vapers aged 11-18 had tried nicotine pouches, with 3.1% currently using them
- More than 70% of young users cited flavours as a primary reason for trying nicotine pouches.
- 45% of 18-24-year-olds in Great Britain are aware of nicotine pouches, indicating high exposure among young adults.
- Educators in Wales have reported a significant increase in confiscations of nicotine pouches during the past year, particularly among Year 9 and 10 pupils.
- No Downloads Available
ASH UK: Nicotine Pouches
A comprehensive overview of the rise in nicotine pouch use, health implications, and regulatory challenges in the UK.
Public Health Wales: Youth Substance Misuse
Resources and guidance for tackling substance misuse among young people in Wales, including nicotine products.
No Ifs, No Butts Reporting Portal
Report underage sales or illegal distribution of nicotine pouches and other tobacco products anonymously.
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