Nicotine pouches
Small flavoured pouches that deliver nicotine through the mouth, with no smoke or vapour, are being marketed hard to young people, and the WHO warns they can cause strong dependence early.
Should I worry?
A new WHO report says nicotine pouches are being pushed at young people and children, and that they can lead to strong dependence. Sales are rising fast while rules lag behind. They are discreet: no smoke, no vapour, little smell, so a teen could use them without anyone noticing. Possible signs are new interest in flavoured products, small pouches or tins in a pocket or bag, irritability or restlessness, and a teen who seems to need a break from class or family time. Most teens are not using them, so this is a reason to talk, not to panic. Stay calm, ask what they've seen and heard, and say clearly that nicotine at their age is risky because dependence can set in early.
How to join in
Nicotine pouches are small, flavoured and made to look modern and harmless, which is a big part of why marketing to young people works. Kids may see them as a cleaner, more discreet alternative to smoking or vaping, or as something that friends or influencers treat as normal. A good way in is to be curious about what they've seen online or at school and to ask what they think of the ads. Talking about how companies design products and marketing to hook new customers tends to land better than a list of warnings, and teens often have sharp opinions about being targeted.
Try saying
“I read that companies are marketing nicotine pouches to people your age, and I wondered if you've seen any of that. I'm not asking because I think you're using them. I just want to know what kids at school say about them. If you ever try something or feel hooked, you can tell me and we'll sort it out together.”
If you’re worried
If your teen is using nicotine and finding it hard to stop, a family doctor or pharmacist can talk through safe ways to quit without shaming them. Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868, or text 686868) is available to your teen any time. If a young child has swallowed a pouch or someone feels very unwell, call the Centre antipoison du Québec, or 911 in an emergency.
Sources
From Mistlift, mistlift.app. Plain talk about what kids are into online.