Zealand school implements urine tests for nicotine use among students

Various nicotine products, including small white pouches hidden in the gums, flavored puff bars, and traditional cigarettes, have gained immense popularity among young people despite being banned in primary and secondary schools. In response, a school in Zealand has begun implementing urine tests to monitor nicotine use among students, as explained by the principal, Niels Skak Jensen.

If nicotine pouches are found in restrooms, all students residing in that area will be tested. Students are required to submit a urine sample, and a testing device similar to a coronavirus home test will reveal results within minutes. If nicotine is detected, students are sent home but can return after undergoing a nicotine cessation program. The initiative has been generally welcomed by parents, as it presents an opportunity for students to quit.

Nicotine is particularly harmful to the developing brains of children and adolescents, which continue to form until the mid-20s. Research indicates that early nicotine use can lead to long-lasting brain damage, decreased concentration, and heightened risk of mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

Despite a national ban on nicotine products in educational institutions established in 2021, recent reports reveal that nicotine consumption among youth continues to rise, with one survey indicating that 36% of students use at least one tobacco or nicotine product.

At Gørlev Idrætsefterskole, students must consent to testing before attending, and reactions have been mixed. While some find the process strange, others prefer it to being interrogated by adults. Principal Jensen has defended the urine tests as a necessary tool, as the discreet nature of nicotine pouches makes enforcement challenging.

Different schools are exploring various approaches, with some opting for agreements around nicotine pouch distribution instead of direct testing. Ultimately, school leaders agree that addressing this nicotine dependency is a crucial societal issue.