UK Teens Using Nicotine Pouches Discreetly in Schools: Study

A new qualitative study, the first of its kind in the UK, has uncovered a significant disconnect between teenagers’ awareness of oral nicotine pouches and the knowledge of school staff tasked with their care. The research, titled “‘I’d rather have worse gums than worse lungs’,” found that while experimental use of nicotine pouches is commonplace among 14-16 year olds, school staff are largely unaware of the trend, often focusing their attention on vaping instead. This “hidden” use raises new concerns for public health and highlights challenges for upcoming regulations.

The study, conducted by the Scottish Centre for Social Research, involved 16 focus groups with 77 pupils aged 14-16 and interviews with 13 senior school staff members in Scotland between February and March 2025. It revealed that young people have a high awareness and knowledge of nicotine pouches and find them easy to access. More established use was reported particularly among older boys.

The appeal for young users appears to be twofold. Firstly, the products offer a “nicotine rush” that users seek. Secondly, and perhaps more concerningly, their discreet nature allows them to be used undetected in environments where vaping or smoking is prohibited, including classrooms. One of the study’s key findings was this stark contrast: while staff were aware of pupils vaping, they were largely unaware of nicotine pouch use.

However, this use is not without consequences. Pupils participating in the study reported a range of adverse effects, from localized issues like pain in the gums to more serious systemic episodes of sickness and even fainting after using the pouches.

Policy Implications and the Tobacco and Vapes Bill

These findings come as the UK government advances its Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which aims to restrict the sale of nicotine pouches to individuals under 18 and control how they are marketed, displayed, and packaged. While these measures are seen as a positive step, the study’s authors suggest they may not be enough on their own to curb youth uptake.

The research concludes that to effectively protect young people in the future, the new age restrictions and marketing controls will likely need to be paired with “strict enforcement in tandem with further regulation on price, flavours and strength of the products.” The ability for students to use these products covertly within schools presents a unique enforcement challenge that policies will need to address. The study underscores the need for greater awareness among educators and parents about this emerging form of nicotine consumption to ensure the well-being of young people.

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.