Key information to help teachers understand what nicotine pouches are, how students may access or use them, and the health and school‑based risks to be aware of.
Nicotine pouches are small, white bags that contain chemicals, flavourings and nicotine – the same addictive drug found in vapes and cigarettes. When placed between the lip and gum, nicotine pouches deliver a hit of nicotine into the body.
We don't have the long-term evidence yet but we can bet nicotine pouches, just like vapes and cigarettes, are damaging to health and could impact a young person living a healthy, happy life.
Nicotine pouches are not legal in Australia, and no retailer can legally advertise or sell them. There are retailers who illegally sell nicotine pouches, including to young people. This is a crime.
If you suspect someone is illegally selling nicotine pouches, you can report it to NSW Health: Report non-compliance with tobacco and vaping product laws in NSW or call the Tobacco Information Line on 1800 357 412.
Nicotine pouches can can immediately make teens feel sick with symptoms like:
The flavours (such as watermelon, strawberry‑kiwi, grape and latte) and colourful packaging used for nicotine pouches make them appealing to young people. Tobacco and vaping companies are continuously looking for new customers. Like vapes, nicotine pouches are a new way to get young people addicted to nicotine.
Generation Vape research shows young people are using nicotine pouches for a variety of reasons including as a party drug and as an alternative to vaping. Like vaping, it's not surprising these products appeal to young people when they are discreet, flavoured, highly addictive and being marketed through social media influencers.
Young people may perceive using nicotine pouches as safer as they aren't inhaling anything.
If you hear young people say they are only 'casually' or 'socially' using nicotine pouches, point out it is easy to get hooked using these products due to the high levels of nicotine.
Good news: most young people don't use nicotine pouches. Recent research shows that less than 2% of young people have ever used a nicotine pouch.
While use among young people is currently low, nicotine pouches can have serious health consequences and any use by young people is a concern.
You may not know your students are using nicotine pouches as they are small, discreet and often hidden in the mouth. They do not produce vapour or smoke.
Signs they might be using nicotine pouches include the symptoms of nicotine addiction such as feeling irritable or anxious.
You may also notice them taking a small, white bag pouch out of their mouth, or putting one in and positioning it between their lip and gum.
All staff have a a key role to play in supporting and protecting student health and wellbeing.
Take the opportunity to talk to students about nicotine pouches. Make sure students know the facts and understand all the risks. Be patient and ready to listen.
Supporting someone to quit nicotine can be challenging, and young people may need advice from a health professional. Ask them if they would like to talk to a GP, school counsellor or call the Quitline on 13 7848, or if they'd like you to call on their behalf.
It is important to note that nicotine pouches are not a proven effective quit smoking or vaping tool.