Rise in awareness of nicotine pouches among children, survey suggests

Rise in awareness of nicotine pouches among children, survey suggests

Nicotine pouches are becoming more prevalent among young people under the age of 18, with recent data indicating an increase in awareness and experimentation. A survey conducted by charity Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) revealed that the number of 11-17 year olds who were familiar with nicotine pouches rose from 38% in 2024 to 43% this year. Additionally, approximately 4% of children in this age group have tried nicotine pouches, amounting to around 210,000 young individuals.

Ash is advocating for the government to prioritize the approval of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which aims to prohibit the marketing and sale of nicotine pouches to minors. The Department of Health and Social Care expressed that the bill is crucial in preventing the younger generation from developing nicotine addictions. Currently, the legislation is progressing through Parliament and is presently being reviewed in the House of Lords.

Concerns about the accessibility and potential risks of nicotine pouches have prompted calls for stricter regulations. These products, typically sold in can packaging, contain a white powder that emits nicotine when placed between the upper lip and gum. While some individuals use nicotine pouches as an aid to quit smoking, their unregulated potency and easy availability pose significant addiction risks, especially for underage consumers.

Jasmine Primrose, a teacher from north London, initiated a petition to address the issue of nicotine pouches after witnessing a teenager being offered a can of pouches near a school. She emphasized the urgency of implementing age restrictions and greater oversight to prevent nicotine addiction among adolescents. Ash’s survey also highlighted an uptick in the usage of nicotine pouches among adults aged 18-34, underscoring the need for robust legislative action to safeguard public health

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