New research conducted by the University of Stirling and the Scottish Centre for Social Research has revealed the increasing use of vapes and nicotine pouches among teenagers is having a significant impact on schools across Scotland.
Published last week, the new research found pupils’ use of vapes is affecting attendance, behaviour and the wider school environment. Pupils reported leaving lessons and missing classes to vape or use nicotine pouches, contributing to truancy and disruption - and some described adverse health effects.
Staff said some young people are showing signs of nicotine addiction, and teachers are spending considerable time and resources responding to the issue, including patrolling school grounds and toilets, and engaging with local retailers.
“A few pupils felt they were addicted to nicotine and reported adverse health effects.”
Dr Allison Ford (left), Associate Professor at the University of Stirling’s Institute for Social Marketing and Health, and Principal Investigator of the New Nicotine Products (NNPs) in Scotland study, said: “Pupils reported widespread use of NNPs, such as vapes and nicotine pouches, and missed classes and played truant because they were using these products in a variety of places, including school toilets, and outside school grounds. A few pupils felt they were addicted to nicotine and reported adverse health effects.
“School staff adopted a range of approaches to address the issue, including regular patrols and sweeps of school areas, monitoring toilet facilities and visiting neighbourhood shops to encourage more robust retail practices. They’re also confiscating vapes and issuing exclusions or detentions for their use.”
A previous study published by the same team last year found that young people in Scotland are experimenting with nicotine pouches and reporting adverse effects such as sickness and fainting.
One of the new paper’s co-authors, Professor Jamie Pearce, Personal Chair in Health Geography at the University of Edinburgh, said the UK Government’s Tobacco & Vapes Act 2026, which was granted Royal Assent last month, could help address the issue: “A wider societal approach is needed to address the use and impact of vapes and other nicotine products among young people. Restrictions on availability, accessibility, marketing, price and flavourings are likely to be required and should be implemented as quickly as possible.”
In response, Richard Begg (right), head of learning and development at vape retailer VPZ, said: “We’re concerned by any report highlighting underage use of vaping or nicotine products, and we fully support efforts to prevent access to these products by anyone under the legal age.
“We believe the most effective way to address these issues is through a mandatory, enforceable licensing scheme for all retailers of vaping products and nicotine pouches. With the Tobacco & Vapes Act now in force, there is a clear opportunity to ensure such a licensing framework is introduced as part of its implementation.
“Enforcement across the wider retail sector remains inconsistent…”
“VPZ operates under strict Challenge 25 procedures, robust staff training, and full compliance with age verification laws. However, enforcement across the wider retail sector remains inconsistent, allowing non-compliant operators to undermine responsible businesses.
“A national licensing system would strengthen enforcement, improve consistency, and help prevent underage access to these products.”
VPZ’s specialist team is NCSCT trained (National Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training) and has expert knowledge, engaging with smokers to educate them on the health and financial benefits of switching to vaping.
More on the University’s latest research can be read here.
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