Singapore is currently facing a significant rise in student vaping, with a noticeable increase in cases. The Ministry of Education has reported that between 2022 and 2024, there was an average of 3,100 reported cases each year. This trend has led to a coordinated response involving schools and various government agencies.
To address this issue directly, schools have been equipped with nicotine test kits. These kits will be used to screen students suspected of vaping. Starting September 1, students who are found to have been vaping will face disciplinary measures. This may include detention, suspension, or even caning for male students, in addition to mandatory counselling sessions. Institutes of higher learning are also establishing more stringent penalties for students caught with e-vaporisers.
To better enforce these new rules, some schools have begun using metal detectors on campus. Furthermore, there is an effort to promote a “peer vigilance culture” among students, encouraging them to report classmates who may be using vaping products. However, this approach has its challenges. One student, a 19-year-old from Singapore Polytechnic named Ryan, expressed a common concern by saying, “If we see someone vaping and we report them, we don’t get anything in return, but if they get caught and the school asks us if we saw them doing it, then we might get into trouble.”
Beyond educational institutions, a broader crackdown on vaping is underway across the country. The government is reclassifying the substance etomidate, which has been found in some vapes, as a Class C drug. This change will allow for heavier penalties against both users and suppliers. Various government agencies, including the Singapore Armed Forces, the Home Team, and public transport operators, are increasing their checks and patrols in public areas.
The government is also empowering more agencies to seize vapes and is strengthening legal frameworks to dismantle large-scale smuggling operations. For those who want to stop vaping, a program called QuitVape is available to provide support. A national public education campaign, titled “Don’t Toy With Your Life,” has also been launched to educate young people about the dangers associated with vaping. These comprehensive measures show a dedicated effort to tackle the growing problem from multiple angles.
