Autistic schoolboy hooked on trendy snus after being forced to buy vapes for other kids
A mum, from Wishaw, spoke out as a leading advice charity warned of a worrying surge in reports of young people experimenting with nicotine pouches - widely used by sports stars and celebrities.
A mum has told how her 13-year-old autistic son got hooked on trendy 'snus' after being forced to buy nicotine products for other teenagers.
The healthcare worker, from Wishaw, spoke out as a leading advice charity warned of a worrying surge in reports of young people experimenting with the nicotine pouches - widely used by sports stars and celebrities.
The 'devastated' mum said her son had been 'coerced' by other youngsters, some who carry knives, to buy vapes - even though he is clearly underage.
Now he has been caught stealing to fund his own habit for vapes and white tobacco pouches, which users place between their upper lip and gum.
The 41-year-old, who has turned to Advice Direct Scotland for support, said: 'It's like living with an addict now because that's what these things are - addictive.
'His personality has changed. He used to be quite calm but now he goes into a meltdown if he can't get a vape or snus.
'I'm absolutely devastated. My son is only 13. He's autistic and vulnerable and yet he's been coerced and manipulated by older kids who should know better.
'Some of these kids carry knives. They saw his kindness, his eagerness to fit in, and they exploited it. They coerced him into buying vapes for other underage kids, knowing full well he wouldn't say no. My son looks 13 so there is no doubt that he's underage and he's going in there with his uniform on.
'It is terrifying. He stole £170 from us and that is so out of character. It is unbelievably stressful and yet nothing is being done.'
Earlier this month, new data emerged suggesting that young people under the age of 18 are now more aware of nicotine pouches.
Sports stars like ex-Celtic boss Neil Lennon and ex-England forward Jamie Vardy have been known to use snus, along with former boxer Mike Tyson and late superstar DJ Avicii.
A survey commissioned by charity Action on Smoking and Health (Ash), found the percentage of 11-17 year olds who said they knew of the pouches grew from 38% in 2024 to 43% this year.
Nearly 4% of children in this age group had tried the pouches, equivalent to 210,000 young people.
Hazel Knowles, consumer lead at Advice Direct Scotland, said: 'We have noted increased concerns from people about the rising use of nicotine pouches among young people.
'There are fears that marketing strategies that include sweet flavours, trendy packaging and social media promotion are seen as targeting youth and non-smokers.
'Many young users are unaware that nicotine pouches contain addictive substances.
'Open, non-judgmental conversations and access to educational resources are key to prevention.
'People can reach out to us if they have any issues about the sale of these pouches to youngsters or any other consumer issues relating to this growing phenomenon.'
Concerns over snus were raised after the charity logged more than 100 reports of kids - many still in their school uniforms - being sold vapes in the last year.
It says enforcement is failing to stop rogue traders from selling vapes to children - some as young as 11 years old.
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From June 1, it became illegal to buy or sell disposable vapes. Only devices considered to be reusable are legal.
Knowles added: 'We have noticed the growing prevalence of underage vape sales - a trend that threatens the health and wellbeing of children. Vaping products are finding their way into the hands of children with disturbing ease.
'Every sale to a child is a breach of trust, a moment where profit is placed above protection. We urge anyone with any concerns to contact us so that we can work to counteract this worrying trend.'
For free advice, go to consumeradvice.scot or call 0808 164 6000.
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