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To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to reduce levels of nicotine addiction among under-18s. (S7O-00468)
Official Report · Chamber
Nicotine Addiction (Under-18s)
General Question Time
This is the draft Official Report. The final version may differ.
Speakers
Choose an MSP to read only their contributions- Heather Anderson SNP 2
- Maree Todd SNP 2
- Kenneth Gibson 1
The record
5 contributions
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Maree Todd
SNP The Minister for Mental Wellbeing, Public Health, Sport, Alcohol and Drugs · Highlands and Islands
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The Scottish Government is taking decisive action to reduce nicotine addiction among under-18s. From 1 January 2027, it will be illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. On 29 October 2026, age-of-sale restrictions were introduced for nicotine products: you must be over 18 to buy those products. We have also introduced a ban on free distribution.
The results of the consultation on the display of vaping and nicotine products are being analysed and will inform our proposals to restrict the display of those products—for example, by putting them behind screens, just like we do for tobacco.
Nicotine is a highly addictive substance and should not be used by young people. Our next tobacco and vapes implementation plan will set out further actions.
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I am relieved that the Scottish Government took action last month to outlaw the sale of nicotine pouches to under-18s. Those pouches were too easily accessible to young people and they do considerable harm.
Young people are contending with an ever-changing nicotine landscape and I am concerned about the scale of addiction among young people. What support to identify the signs of nicotine addiction is the Scottish Government giving to those who work directly with young people? How can we encourage appropriate treatment to ensure that young people do not enter adult life suffering from nicotine addiction?
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I share Heather Anderson’s concerns. Earlier this year, we published guidance to help schools to take a preventative approach to substance use, including the use of vapes and other nicotine products. The guidance supports schools to develop policies and respond to substance use among young people in schools, and there is signposting to sources of specialised support, if appropriate.
Our schools provide substance use education through the curriculum for excellence. Young people learn about a variety of substances, including alcohol, medicines, drugs, tobacco and solvents, and they explore the impact that risk-taking behaviour has on life choices and health.
Kenneth Gibson
The Presiding Officer · Cunninghame North
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That concludes general question time. I apologise to the many members with supplementary questions whom I was unable to call due to time constraints.
Motions, questions and votes
Linked from this item of the Official ReportIn this meeting
Everything on 10 Nov 2026 →- 14:00 Time for Reflection Time for reflection · 2
- 14:05 Business Motion Business motions · 2
- 14:06 General Question Time Questions · 2
- 14:06 Flood Forecasting Questions · 8
- 14:06 General Practitioner Walk-in Service (Elgin) Questions · 6
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- 14:06 Learning for Sustainability Questions · 4
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- 14:06 Nicotine Addiction (Under-18s) Questions · 5
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- 16:16 BBC and Public Service Broadcasting Debate · 80
- 17:38 Decision Time Decision time · 31
- 17:51 Supporting Scotland’s Pubs Members’ business · 26
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