Education Minister Criticizes Proposal to Ban Snus for Teachers

Education Minister Simona Mohamsson is strongly critical of the Public Health Agency's proposal that teachers should not be allowed to use snus during school hours.

A previous investigation suggested that students should not use nicotine products at all during school hours, even if they are 18.

The Public Health Agency wants to go further and states in its response that it would be "desirable" for teachers to also be prohibited from using snus during school hours. They argue that this would de-normalize snus use and believe the issue should be further investigated.

Now the question is whether the government will proceed with the proposal to ban snus use in schools.

Minister Critical

Education Minister Simona Mohamsson is clear about her stance. She does not see teachers' use of snus in schools as a problem.

"The working environment for teachers has deteriorated over a long period. It would be tactless to worsen it further," she writes in a comment to Expressen.

"Sweden's most important professional group should have more power in the classroom—not be met with a moralistic snus ban."

In Kungsbacka municipality, the local government has already implemented a ban on snus use during school hours—even for teachers.

READ MORE: Public Health Agency wants to ban teachers from using snus