A 15-year-old boy has been sentenced to spend two years at the Singapore Boys’ Home after repeatedly being caught with electronic vaporisers. This decision, made by the Youth Courts, underscores the strict enforcement of Singapore’s ban on vaping among youths.
Details of the Vaping Incidents
The teenager, whose identity cannot be disclosed due to his age, was caught on five separate occasions from February to October 2024. His offences included:
- 4 February: Found with one vape at a void deck in Punggol.
- 19 March: Caught with two vapes at a McDonald’s in Nex shopping mall.
- 30 May: Discovered with one device at Sin Ming Avenue.
- Mid-June: Another vape was seized from him in the same vicinity.
- October: The latest incident occurred at Serangoon Central.
Legal Consequences and Support Systems
The boy faced a total of 20 charges—five from the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for possession and another 15 from the Singapore Police Force. According to local laws, the penalty for possessing a vape can reach up to S$2,000.
Notably, the Ministry of Health and HSA have made it clear that schools will also impose disciplinary actions, such as suspension or caning, on students caught vaping outside school.
Increasing Vaping Rates Among Youth
Despite the total ban on electronic vaporisers since 2018, a recent Health Promotion Board (HPB) study revealed an alarming uptick in youth vaping. In 2024, about 2,000 cases of students were reported for possessing or using e-vaporisers, a significant increase from 800 cases in 2022.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung emphasised the importance of educational measures, noting that students caught would be reported to the Ministry of Education.
Resources for Quitting Vaping
For those struggling with vaping, the HPB offers the I Quit programme, which allows participants to seek support without fear of prosecution. Help is available through the QuitLine at 1800-438-2000, reflecting the government’s commitment to address public health concerns.
As of 21 July 2024, the HSA has expanded the operating hours of its hotline for reporting vaping-related offences, now available from 9am to 9pm daily, including public holidays.