Youth Nicotine Use and Health

Nicotine Products and Teen Health

Teen use of nicotine products remains a serious public health concern in our communities. While vaping is the most well-known issue, today’s youth are also being exposed to a growing number of emerging nicotine products, including oral nicotine pouches, disposable vapes, and other flavored products that are often marketed as discreet or “smoke-free.”

Nicotine can harm the developing adolescent brain, affect attention and learning, and increase the risk of long-term addiction. Products like oral nicotine pouches may appear less harmful, but they still deliver nicotine and can lead to dependence, especially among young people who have never used tobacco before. This page provides information, data, and community-based efforts focused on preventing youth nicotine use and supporting healthier, tobacco-free futures for teens.

Nicotine Products Affecting Youth

Today’s nicotine products come in many forms, often designed to look discreet, flavored, or “smoke-free.” While they may appear less harmful, all nicotine products can negatively affect teen health and development.

Disposable Vapes

Oral Nicotine Pouches

Dispoable vapes (e-cigarettes) heat a liquid that usually contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. Many products are easy to hide and deliver high levels of nicotine quickly.

How they affect teens:

Can harm brain development, affecting memory, attention, and learning
Increase the risk of nicotine addiction
May expose youth to toxic chemicals and heavy metals
Often contain flavors that appeal to young people

Oral nicotine pouches, such as Zyn, are placed between the gum and lip and deliver nicotine without smoke or vapor. They are often marketed as discreet and tobacco-free.

How they affect teens:

Deliver nicotine directly to the bloodstream
Can lead to dependence, even among teens who have never smoked or vaped
May normalize nicotine use due to their “clean” or “smoke-free” image
Still affect the developing adolescent brain

What Parents and Caregivers Can Do

Parents and caregivers play a critical role in preventing youth nicotine use. Open communication, awareness, and support can make a meaningful difference.