### High on Snus in School: The Hidden Risks of Nicotine Pouches Among Teens
The popularity of nicotine pouches among teenagers is growing, with alarming consequences for their health. These products, often unnoticed in the marketplace, pose serious risks, particularly for young users still in school settings. This article sheds light on the experiences of youth like Finn, who navigates the allure and dangers of nicotine pouches, as well as the broader implications for public health.
#### Rising Popularity of Nicotine Pouches
Finn, a 17-year-old student, recalls his initiation into the world of nicotine pouches by describing his usage routine. He pulls out a small white pouch—resembling a teabag—from a vibrantly colored tin and places it between his lip and gum. For him and his peers, the potency of these pouches is intoxicating, delivering a nicotine hit purported to be far stronger than traditional cigarettes. With some pouches containing up to 150 mg of nicotine, it’s no surprise that usage can lead to extreme side effects such as vomiting and severe discomfort. While Finn and his friends often indulge in multiple pouches simultaneously, he admits that the experience can be overwhelming, rendering them unable to concentrate in class.
#### The Risks of Use in Schools
The inconspicuous nature of nicotine pouches allows them to be used discreetly even during school hours. Finn acknowledges that he has used them during lessons and has felt intense effects that resulted in him leaving class early. Despite recognizing the addiction forming due to his pouch usage, he expresses a desire to warn others about its dangers. He describes a cycle of dependency initiated by boredom with vaping, which led him to more intense nicotine experiences.
Statistics indicate that this is not an isolated phenomenon. In the UK, reports reveal a nearly four-fold increase in nicotine pouch usage among individuals aged 16 to 24—from less than 1% in 2022 to 3.6% in 2024. This trend is troubling as a significant portion of adolescents are relying on these products, and the youth demographic is rapidly adopting a harmful habit with potentially severe consequences.
#### Accessibility Concerns
Nicotine pouches are widely available for purchase without any age restrictions, unlike cigarettes or vapes. They can be found in convenience stores, supermarkets, and online, raising alarm bells about unregulated access for minors. According to Kate Pike, a Trading Standards officer, there are increasing reports of underage purchases, including instances where children as young as 11 or 12 are able to acquire these products with ease. The lack of regulation and the appealing flavors and packaging of nicotine pouches make them attractive to younger users, exacerbating the public health issue.
#### Health Implications of Usage
Health experts are sounding the alarm about the potential damage nicotine pouches can inflict on young users’ oral health. Dr. Patric Saraby, a dentist, reports that some of his patients have experienced severe gum lesions linked to pouch usage. Finn candidly shares his traumatic experience—his gums have become so damaged that he felt parts peeling off. The long-term effects are concerning as repeated use can lead to localized gum disease and even bone loss. The situation in the UK mirrors trends in Sweden, where the original tobacco-based snus has already created drastic public health concerns.
Doctors emphasize the importance of more research into the impact of nicotine pouches, particularly in regards to their unintended consequences on young people. The character of these products, which deliver nicotine without the associated health risks of smoking, can lead users to underestimate the actual dangers, creating a false sense of security.
#### Moving Towards Regulation
The government’s response to this alarming trend includes a proposed Tobacco and Vapes Bill aimed at restricting sales of nicotine pouches to individuals under 18. Activists argue that this legislation is crucial to prevent the next generation from becoming addicted to nicotine. However, it remains to be seen how effective this regulation will be in curtailing the easy accessibility of these high-strength pouches.
Finn’s story is a reflection of a concerning modern trend among youth, fueled by convenience and the allure of instant gratification. As he grapples with his addiction, he offers a sobering message: “Don’t bother with any of it in the first place. Nicotine traps you.” His experience serves as a cautionary tale for both teens and parents navigating the increasingly complex world of nicotine products.
The rising prevalence of nicotine pouches in schools poses significant challenges—not just for students, but for society as a whole, as we seek to understand and mitigate the effects of this hidden danger lurking in plain sight.
