Only some of us can recognize nicotine pouches. For those who can’t tell, nicotine pouches are just small bags. They are often filled with flavoured powder and contains nicotine and other ingredients. Users tuck them between their gums and lips.
Table of Contents
Regulation and Curbing Exposure
Nicotine pouch regulation is an area of concern. Currently, regulations in some countries are minimal, enabling underage users to access them. This is why it is important to take more measures to ensure teens don’t buy nicotine pouches. These measures may include increasing prices, restricting online sales, and removing flavourings.
Parents must also be vigilant, especially when their kids return to school. Most manufacturers cleverly pack products to conceal content, such as nicotine pouches packed like mints.
Early exposure to pouches, particularly before brains are developed fully, may heighten vulnerability to addiction. This serves as a wake-up call for proactive parental involvement, stricter regulations, and increased awareness.
As parents, we have to initiate a conversation with our kids about the risks linked to nicotine consumption and get guidance from medical experts if our concerns are about addiction.
Who Are Frequent Users?
There is a major concern that teens and young people are more likely to use these products. This is because they believe that the products are safer than tobacco-based products.
Are the Products Dangerous to Kids?
Although nicotine pouches are safer alternatives to vaping or cigarettes as they don’t have carcinogens linked to tobacco, they are still not safe for kids.
Usually, nicotine acts as a stimulant. For young adults and teens, nicotine has detrimental impacts on developing brains. When teens’ brains are forming, nicotine may cause issues like the following:
- ADHD-type cognitive symptoms
- Increased impulsivity
In addition, nicotine may result in addiction. If a teen uses nicotine, especially for the first time, they can feel a ‘buzz.’ This feeling doesn’t last long, but it can be addictive.
Why Get Concerned about Pouches?
Nicotine pouches are surging in popularity as alternatives to conventional tobacco products. Here is why we need to be worried about these products growing in popularity among teens:
1. Flavoured Products
These products come in various flavours, drawing inexperienced users and youths to nicotine and tobacco products. Some of these flavours include candy, mind, and fruit.
2. Presence on Social Media
Regardless of regulations that prohibit the marketing of nicotine and tobacco-based products to teens or minors, young people are still getting introduced to popular brands like Zyn. Trends, such as ‘stuffing face’ challenges and keeping a tin as a collectible, contribute to social pressure among teens.
3. Skyrocketing Sales
This increasing popularity has managed to outpace regulatory oversight, flooding the marketplace with products and even reaching a wider audience. Although manufacturers’ marketing strategies are directed towards adults, their discreet packaging and easy availability make them accessible to every age.
In conclusion, the increasing popularity of these products among teens presents public health changes. Although these products are safer alternatives to smoking, they come with risks, especially among young people. This is why it is important to take regulations seriously to ensure teens don’t have access to these products.
