Hamburg, December 18, 2024 - A concerning new trend is rising among German teenagers: about one in seven students aged 16 and 17 has tried nicotine pouches, according to new data from the DAK Prevention Radar. This trend reveals significant differences based on gender and social background.
The data shows 15 percent of boys and 10 percent of girls within this age group have experimented with these products, with boys using them more frequently than girls. The findings raise alarm as nicotine pouches are not legally available for sale in Germany, yet they can be readily found online and sometimes even at local shops.
Nicotine pouches, also known as Nikotinbeutel, are small packets filled with nicotine salts, which users place between their upper lip and gum to absorb nicotine through the oral mucosa. Since their inception, many experts have voiced concerns over their potential health risks, especially for younger users. Andreas Storm, the Chief Executive of DAK, emphasized the dangers, stating, "Nikotinbeutel sind gefährlich und können abhängig machen" (Nicotine pouches are dangerous and can lead to addiction).
Experts warn about the potential for early addiction due to these pouches. Professor Reiner Hanewinkel from the Institute for Therapy and Health Research pointed out, "Je früher eine Nikotinsucht entsteht, desto eher verfestigt sie sich in späteren Lebensjahren – mit allen gravierenden negativen gesundheitlichen Folgen" (The earlier nicotine addiction begins, the more entrenched it becomes later in life—with all the serious negative health consequences). This warning highlights the urgent need for preventative measures and education among parents and teachers about the risks associated with nicotine products.
The DAK Prevention Radar analyzed the health behavior of around 12,700 children and adolescents between ages 9 and 17 over 2022 and 2023. The survey was conducted by teachers using questionnaires distributed among 927 classes across 83 schools located within 14 federal states of Germany. The findings showed higher nicotine pouch usage among teenagers from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, prompting calls for more stringent regulation.
While nicotine pouches are prohibited under German law, their easy accessibility through online shops and physical retailers creates significant challenges for controlling their distribution. Many retailers, including kiosks and gas stations, are reported to sell these products illegally, which fuels concerns among addiction counselors and health officials.
Storm advocates for stricter regulations of online shops and urges for educational outreach aimed at parents and youth leaders about the dangers of using nicotine products. He asserts, "Wir müssen den Zugang zu diesen gefährlichen Produkten für Kinder und Jugendliche unbedingt einschränken" (We must restrict access to these dangerous products for children and teenagers).
The DAK’s commitment to improving health education reflects its broader mission to safeguard children's health as it stands as Germany's third-largest health insurance provider with about 5.5 million insured individuals.
Another concerning statistic from the study indicates how nicotine pouch users often have experimented with other nicotine-containing products, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. This trend of mixed usage appears to increase significantly after the age of 13, underscoring the need for early intervention and education.
Overall, the rise of nicotine pouches among teenagers is alarming. With strong associations between early use, addiction, and long-term health consequences, the response from regulatory bodies must grow more vigilant. Experts believe the health of the youth should be prioritized, with effective strategies aimed at curbing access to these products and educating young people about the associated risks.
