Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens 238: Zyns, Vapes & Teens: What Do Parents Need to Know?
Sep 23, 2025
Discover the world of Zyns, the discreet nicotine pouches popular among teens. Learn why these pouches are alluring and the neurological risks they pose to developing brains. The hosts explore how social media influences trends, making teens vulnerable to marketing tactics. Gain practical tips for initiating a conversation about Zyns with your child, emphasizing curiosity rather than lectures. Finally, understand the importance of managing your response to maintain trust while addressing this growing concern in modern parenting.
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What Zyns Are And How They Work
- Zyns are small nicotine pouches placed between gum and cheek that deliver nicotine without visible signs.
- They avoid spitting and are discreet, which increases their appeal to teens.
Unknown Long-Term Harms
- Zyns may be less harmful than combustible cigarettes but are not harmless and lack long-term safety data.
- Research on long-term harms takes decades, so avoidance is the safer stance now.
Scope And Demographics Of Use
- Current data suggest roughly one in 20 teens have used nicotine pouches, so it's noticeable but not ubiquitous.
- Zyn use clusters by subgroup (e.g., white boys, older teens, college-age) and isn't evenly spread.