Several vocational schools in Finland aim to eliminate nicotine products during school hours

Several vocational schools in Finland are aiming to eliminate the use of nicotine products during school hours. Some institutions have adopted the Cancer Society’s tobacco-free activity model, which encourages both students and staff to refrain from nicotine use. The Savon Educational Consortium was the first to implement this model in 2018, declaring the Savon Vocational School as nicotine-free, with a ban on nicotine products across all campuses.

Despite the initiative, nicotine product usage among students remains prevalent, with notable changes in the forms of use. Observations indicate a shift from traditional smoking to vaping and nicotine pouches. Before the new rules, students could roll cigarettes during lunch, but now they are more likely to have pouches or vapes discreetly on campus. Feedback from students reveals a level of discomfort regarding nicotine product use during classes.

Recent health surveys point to a stagnation or increase in nicotine use among vocational students compared to their high school counterparts, which deviates from previous declining trends since 2017. The goal of the tobacco legislation is for no more than five percent of the population to use tobacco or nicotine products by 2030.

Additional education and awareness campaigns are being developed to address the rise in nicotine use among young people, with some institutions noting the challenge of identifying new products. There’s ongoing advocacy for stricter regulations regarding nicotine pouches and disposable vapes to ensure that all forms of nicotine are covered under existing smoking bans in educational institutions. Proposed law amendments seek to lower acceptable nicotine limits and institute stricter sales regulations for those under 18.