New teaching materials have been developed by the Danish Health Authority (Sundhedsstyrelsen) to help students in 5th to 7th grade resist peer pressure and refuse tobacco or nicotine products. The initiative aims to address the rising use of such products among young people.

The educational resources are designed to teach students how to build positive, tobacco- and nicotine-free communities. Students will learn about the negative consequences of using tobacco and nicotine and the nature of addiction.

Jonas Egebart, director of the Danish Health Authority, emphasizes the importance of understanding these consequences. He stresses the need for young people to recognize the pressure they exert on each other when offering nicotine products and to create an environment where saying no is acceptable.

A recent study from the National Institute of Public Health at SDU (University of Southern Denmark) reveals a concerning trend. In 2024, 29.2 percent of 15-17 year olds had used at least one tobacco or nicotine product, a significant increase from 19.5 percent in 2020.

The teaching materials are part of a broader political agreement from 2023 focused on preventing the use of tobacco, nicotine, and alcohol among children and adolescents. The resources are specifically designed for professionals, including teachers, educators, and health consultants.

Egebart underscores the importance of equipping parents and professionals to discuss these issues with young people, regardless of the specific product involved. The initiative targets both traditional smoking prevention and the growing popularity of new nicotine products like nicotine pouches and puff bars. The educational package includes short dilemma films and guides for both professionals and parents.