Effectiveness of School-based Vape Deterrence Measures
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the effectiveness of school-based vape deterrence measures and actions to reverse youth vaping trends, raised by Ms Elysa Chen following 245 student referrals to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in a single quarter. Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung responded that these referral numbers reflect the vigilance and close coordination of educational institutions with HSA rather than serving as a standalone measure of deterrence effectiveness. He highlighted that stepped-up efforts since September last year adopt a multi-pronged strategy covering prevention, enforcement, and rehabilitation. Preventative education is delivered through school curricula and peer initiatives, while offenders face HSA enforcement alongside school-based disciplinary actions. Finally, rehabilitation is supported through counselling, intervention programmes, parental resources, and cessation assistance via the Health Promotion Board's QuitLine.
Transcript
31 Ms Elysa Chen asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health regarding the 245 students who were referred to HSA for vaping in a single quarter (a) whether the Ministry has assessed if this is an indicator of effectiveness for existing school-based deterrence measures; and (b) what concrete steps will the Ministry take to reverse this trend among minors.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: School-based interventions are a key part of our efforts to address vaping. The referrals to Health Sciences Authority (HSA) reflect the vigilance of schools and the institutes of higher learning (IHLs) in detecting vaping-related offences and their close coordination with HSA. Referral numbers alone are therefore not used as a measure of the effectiveness of school-based deterrence measures.
We have stepped up our measures to address vaping among youths since September last year through a multi-pronged approach of prevention, enforcement and rehabilitation. On prevention, the Health Promotion Board (HPB) works closely with the Ministry of Education and HSA to educate youths on the harms of vaping, strengthen their ability to resist peer pressure and reinforce anti-vaping messages through the school curriculum, orientation programmes and peer-led initiatives.
For youths caught vaping, they are subject to HSA enforcement actions as well as disciplinary measures by their schools and IHLs. These are complemented by counselling and intervention programmes to address underlying causes and support behavioural changes. Those who need help to quit vaping can contact HPB's QuitLine for cessation support, and resources are available to help parents speak to their children about vaping.