Trend of Vaping among School and Tertiary Institute Students
Ministry of EducationSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the trend of vaping among students and the measures implemented by educational institutions to address usage on their premises. Dr Wan Rizal inquired about current vaping patterns, prompting Minister of State Gan Siow Huang to highlight the Ministry of Education's collaborative educational efforts with health authorities. The response detailed strategies for teaching students about legal consequences and peer resistance, alongside enforcement measures such as product confiscation, suspension, and caning for male students. Support systems include referrals to Health Promotion Board cessation programmes and lifestyle coaches to facilitate long-term behavioral changes. Minister of State Gan Siow Huang also stated that recalcitrant offenders are referred to the Health Sciences Authority for potential fines.
Transcript
18 Dr Wan Rizal asked the Minister for Education (a) what is the current trend of vaping among students in primary, secondary, pre-university institutions and Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs); and (b) what measures have been put in place by schools and IHLs to address the issue of students vaping on school and IHL premises.
The Minister of State for Education (Ms Gan Siow Huang) (for the Minister for Education): The Ministry of Education (MOE) takes a firm stand against vaping. We work closely with the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and Health Promotion Board (HPB) to educate students on the harmful effects of using imitation tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and e-vaporisers. In schools, students learn about Singapore's laws and regulations on vaping and the consequences on individuals, families and society. Students in MOE schools also learn to recognise impulsive and addictive behaviour and are equipped with skills to say "no" to e-cigarettes and e-vaporisers as well as strategies for self-control and to manage negative peer influences. The Autonomous Universities (AUs), polytechnics and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) also raise awareness among students about the harms of vaping and the benefits of leading a vaporiser-free lifestyle.
When students are caught using or possessing e-vaporisers, the prohibited product will be confiscated, parents are informed and school-based disciplinary action will be taken, including suspension, or caning for boys. They are referred to Student Health Advisors or lifestyle coaches or are placed on cessation programmes by HPB where counsellors will guide them through their cessation journey to effect long-term behavioural change. Recalcitrant offenders may be referred to HSA which may issue them a fine.