Teen Tips Ltd The Old Candlemakers,
West Street,
BN7 2NZ Lewes,
[email protected] 00441273093940

Resources
for schools, parents and carers

Have you heard of nicotine pouches and are they the latest teen craze? By Alicia Drummond, Therapist and Founder of The Wellbeing Hub

Being in contact with so many schools we are kept abreast of emerging trends (thank you), and it seems that nicotine pouches are the new thing on the block.  They are the fastest growing nicotine delivery product in the US and are becoming increasingly popular in the UK.

Derived from traditional Swedish Snus, nicotine pouches provide a tobacco-free, smoking experience.  They are manufactured using a form of dehydrated nicotine with added flavours (think cherry, strawberry, mint), and they usually contain plant fibres and sweeteners.  They generally contain 8mg of nicotine per pouch but nicotine levels maybe higher or lower (0 to 20mg).  They are sold in supermarkets and online and cost approximately £5 for twenty – brands you might come across include Velo and Nordic Spirit.  Unlike smoking or vaping nicotine pouches can be used anywhere, at any time, because they are tucked neatly between the lip and gum, and produce no vapour, smoke, or smell.

They are usually kept in the mouth for up to an hour and must not be swallowed (seek medical advice if swallowed).  Whilst the absence of tobacco is a good thing, nicotine is highly addictive, and being able to access it in such a discreet way means young people are using it to get a nicotine hit in lessons.

Nicotine pouches are not considered to be medicinal products and whilst they might resemble other nicotine replacement products like gum and lozenges, there is no body of evidence showing that they are effective in helping people quit smoking.

The pouches are not technically classed as tobacco products under UK law, and so can be legally sold to under-18s and advertised and sold on social media, unlike vapes, and you only have to look at the packaging to know that the manufacturers have children in their sights.

Whilst nicotine pouches are undoubtedly less harmful than smoking, they are not harm free. For all of us nicotine increases our heart rate and causes a surge of dopamine which creates feelings of pleasure and reward, but the feeling of reward is short lived meaning people must do more to get more, and so the cycle of use/addiction is established.

Nicotine is a psychoactive substance which is particularly harmful to the developing teenage brain.  It can negatively impact the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control, but there are many other side effects associated with nicotine use, including:

  • Dizziness
  • Vomiting
  • Disturbed sleep
  • Changes in blood flow
  • Headaches
  • Increased risk of blood clotting
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Shortness of breath
  • Diarrhoea
  • Joint pain
Nicotine pouches can have additional side effects, including:
  • Discolouration of the teeth
  • Gum disease and dentists have raised concerns about oral cancer.

It is important that we talk to young people about the risks associated with nicotine pouches so that they can make informed choices.  You might find the story of David James, the former England Football goalkeeper who talks about his experience of using snus and The Professional Footballers’ Association who are carrying out research in the use of snus, useful starting points for conversations.

What are the current Regulations of Nicotine Pouches?

  • Europe – UK: Since Nicotine pouches are tobacco-free products and they do not have medicinal claims, they are not regulated either by Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR) or by the MHRA . The most applicable regulation is the General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR). Recently the COT Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment has published a preliminary paper to discuss the bioavailability of nicotine and other ingredients from the use of oral nicotine pouches and assessment of risk to users.

Source/References:

The Wellbeing Hub from Teen Tips is created by experts and updated with new content weekly, responding to the latest mental health and wellbeing issues affecting young people and their families today. Come on board today and enjoy one week’s free trial then £7.99 per month. SIGN UP HERE.

Parents and carers: sign up to our newsletter

Keep up to date on our latest insights, guidance and tips

Other resources you might be interested in:

Understanding attachment theory: a parent’s guide by Alicia Drummond, Therapist

Attachment theory is a psychological framework that explains how a child forms emotional bonds with their caregivers, shaping their ability to connect with others throughout life. Understanding this theory can help you create a strong foundation for your child’s emotional and social development. Take a moment to read Alicia’s practical tips for building secure attachment.

What are boundaries and why do they matter? by Dr Maryhan, Psychologist and parenting expert

Boundaries are parameters within which we want our children to operate in any given situation, but how do we actually put them in place effectively? If you are struggling to enforce boundaries in your family, it’s worth taking some time to reflect on Dr Maryhan’s expert advice.

How to help your child with nightmares by Mandy Gurney, Healthcare Professional and Founder of the Millpond Children’s Sleep Clinic

Nightmares can be a distressing experience for both children and parents alike, often leaving little ones feeling frightened and unsettled during the night. In this blog, we will look at what causes your child to have nightmares and practical strategies to help you support your child through them.

The return to school by Alicia Drummond, Therapist and Founder of The Wellbeing Hub

Do you have children or teenagers who are anxious about returning to school? Read our tips on how to support and prepare them for the return to school.

How to stay mentally healthy at university by Alicia Drummond, Therapist and Founder of The Wellbeing Hub

Students are particularly vulnerable to mental health struggles as it often means living away from the comforts of home and dealing with the stresses of adult life for the first time. Whilst this new-found independence is exciting, it can also be a little daunting, perhaps overwhelming, so it’s important to feel prepared.

Understanding panic attacks: causes, symptoms, and coping strategies by The Wellbeing Hub

Panic attacks are abrupt and intense episodes characterised by feelings of fear or anxiety. These attacks manifest through a combination of physical and mental symptoms. This informational sheet aims to provide you with the necessary tools to identify and comprehend when you are experiencing a panic attack.

Creating responsible digital citizens and keeping children safe online by Alicia Drummond, Therapist and Founder of The Wellbeing Hub

We share our blog on how to set young people up to be able to manage their own screen time, as well as exploring the risks they will inevitably encounter online.

Building emotional resilience in children by Alicia Drummond, Therapist and Founder of The Wellbeing Hub

This blog on the topic of resilience explores why it is important to create environments which build self-esteem, self-efficacy, self-awareness, and self-management if we are to prevent mental health crashes and build emotional resilience in our young people. We also explore what we can do as parents and carers to build these skills.