ZYN is In: What This Means for Young People

The tobacco industry has a new way to target and influence young people to use their products, in the form of oral nicotine pouches, with one of the most popular brands being used called Zyn.

Because these pouches do not contain any actual tobacco leaf, the FDA does not classify or regulate them as smokeless tobacco products. However, products like Zyn do contain concentrated nicotine powder—either synthetic or derived from tobacco—and the act of using them is not only furthering rates of nicotine addiction in young people but can also pose risks to their dental and oral hygiene.

Teens Should Steer Clear of Using AI Chatbots for Mental Health, Researchers Say

New research warns that AI chatbots can miss serious warning signs in teens — like psychosis, anxiety, or self-harm — and may respond in ways that validate dangerous thoughts instead of helping.

These tools are designed more for engagement than real care, raising concern that vulnerable young people could mistake them for a safe space.

Want the full scoop on the risks — and how policymakers are reacting? Read more.

Ask an Educator!

Students ask, and our educators answer!

This student asked: "How do I avoid a situation where other students are using substances and I feel stuck?"

Our Health Educator, Carly, answered! Watch the full video below!

RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT

🔍 Resource Spotlight: Substance Use Prevention Portal

Explore Candor’s interactive Substance Use Prevention Portal, designed for youth ages 12–18 to learn in a fun, engaging way. Through graphic novels, animated videos, games, and trivia, this portal helps young people understand how substances like alcohol, opioids (including fentanyl), marijuana, and vaping affect the developing brain and body.

Whether you're a teacher looking for classroom-ready materials or a parent hoping to spark meaningful conversations at home, this portal offers powerful, age-appropriate tools — including our “Finals Week Frenzy” game — to guide reflection and build awareness.

SUPPORT CANDOR

Candor Health Education is a non-profit organization that relies on community support to provide these programs to under-resourced communities. Consider contributing a monthly donation to ensure every student in the Chicagoland area receives these important lessons.