Use of nicotine products by children and young people in the Nordic region

Among other things, nicotine affects brain development, which can have consequences for cognition, attention, learning, mood and behaviour. It is therefore essential that children and young people are protected from using and becoming addicted to nicotine, regardless of the type of tobacco or nicotine product in question.

In recent years, new types of nicotine products have entered the market, such as e-cigarettes (vapes) and nicotine pouches that do not contain tobacco. Several of the new types of tobacco-free nicotine products are very appealing to children and young people due to their design, colours and flavors. But what do we know about the trend in the use of these products among young people in the Nordic and Baltic countries?

The harmful effects of tobacco use on public health have been known for many years. Many preventive and structural initiatives have been taken to limit the use of tobacco, both in the Nordic and Baltic countries and globally. But what about similar structural initiatives when it comes to new types of tobacco-free nicotine products?

Project results

The project has published a report that aims to inform and inspire future tobacco and nicotine prevention efforts targeting children and young people.

The purpose of the report is:

• To investigate in the use of tobacco-free nicotine products, as well as the use of cigarettes. This is done by surveying and analysing trends in the use of these products  among young people in the Nordic and Baltic countries from 2018 to 2024.
• To provide an overview of current national regulations in the Nordic and Baltic countries regarding cigarettes and other nicotine products.

The report was written in English and published in March 2025.

The Nordic Welfare Centre collaborated with the National Institute of Public Health at the University of Southern Denmark to write the report.

Target audience

The primary target audience for the report includes officials in ministries, government agencies, regions and municipalities. The report is also aimed at other people who work with and have an interest in children’s and young people’s use of nicotine products.