Charity highlights concerns over pupils using nicotine pouches in class

Concerns are mounting over the number of children using nicotine pouches in Scotland’s schools.

Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) Scotland said new addictive trends, including the rise of Snus-style products, have followed the surge in vaping.

A 2025 report by the teachers’ union NASUWT found 46% of teachers in Scotland reported their pupils using nicotine pouches during school time.

The pouches, often labelled “Snus” after a similar Swedish tobacco product, are designed to be placed between the user’s lips and gum, where they release nicotine.

Ash Scotland said teachers have consistently raised concerns about the rise in nicotine products being used by young people.

The charity has announced free learning resources to help educators tackle the issue.

Sheila Duffy, chief executive of Ash Scotland, said: “Our new e-learning module is designed to provide a resource for educators to learn about the negative impacts that nicotine use can have on the lives of children and young people.

“Following the upsurge in youth vaping, a new generation is being attracted to using other addictive, health-harming products such as nicotine pouches.

“Drawing in new customers produces huge profits for the tobacco industry, but at a cost to the health and wellbeing of our young people and disruption in the classroom.

“We trust that our new nicotine pouches e-learning module will help teachers and youth workers to build their knowledge and confidence to start discussions with children and help them make informed choices about protecting their health and wellbeing.”

Mike Corbett, NASUWT national official for Scotland, said teachers have expressed “serious concerns” that the regulation of nicotine products has “failed to keep pace with innovation by the companies selling them”.

He said: “The recently published guidance for schools on how to address substance abuse among pupils was welcomed but this is only a first step.

“We need a greater emphasis on prevention and early intervention at all ages to stop children and young people from being drawn into nicotine pouch use.

“NASUWT has therefore welcomed the e-learning materials from Ash Scotland as one part of a wider systemic response needed to tackle substance misuse in schools.”

Teachers can access the Ash Scotland e-module at ashscotlandmoodle.org.uk.

Public health minister Maree Todd said: “As part of action to tackle nicotine pouch use amongst young people, we will consult on the retail display of nicotine products, including nicotine pouches, within our first 100 days in government to remove their appeal and visibility to young people.

“The Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 will also make it an offence to offer nicotine products, including nicotine pouches, for a nominal price or to distribute them for free, from October 29 this year.

“In addition, we are continuing to work with young people in schools to highlight the harms caused by a variety of substances, including nicotine pouches, with information also available through Young Scot, Parent Club and NHS inform.”