Parents in Street, Glastonbury, Wells and Shepton Mallet are being warned about the growing presence of banned nicotine pouches known as Snus — amid fears they could be part of a grooming and exploitation pipeline targeting Somerset teens.

Safeguarding teams and school staff say they are seeing more and more young people with the small, flavoured nicotine sachets, despite the fact that Snus is banned in the UK. Sold online and promoted on social media, the pouches are often hidden in phone cases or pencil tins — and in some cases, handed out for free by people looking to build trust with vulnerable teenagers.

While the pouches themselves aren't illegal to possess, they are illegal to sell in the UK — and experts say they may be a "gateway" to something much more dangerous.

A letter sent to parents at local schools warns that exploiters may use Snus as a stepping stone to draw teens into county lines activity, drug running and other crimes. It reads:

"This brings the young person into contact with people who present significant safeguarding risk, while making them feel unable to tell anyone what's happening and becoming more distant from their support network.

"While the presence of Snus is not an automatic indication of criminal exploitation, we'd like you to be aware of the possibility of a link and how something that may start small can be part of a much bigger picture. Spotting the signs early is key."

Authorities say the warning is not about "demonising" young people who experiment with nicotine — but about recognising that free gifts, secrecy and withdrawal from family and friends are classic warning signs of grooming.

Parents are being urged to talk openly with their children and look out for changes in behaviour, unexpected gifts, or talk of new older friends.

The warning comes as schools in all four towns report a rise in Snus sightings — with students seen passing or selling pouches between lessons.

More support and advice is available from:

• Avon & Somerset Violence Reduction Partnership: www.asvrp.co.uk
• Somerset Drug & Alcohol Service: www.turning-point.co.uk

Police and safeguarding professionals say the problem is becoming more widespread, and that early intervention is crucial to protect teens from being drawn into criminal activity.