Despite strict bans, disposable vapes remain a common sight among students, raising concerns over black market risks.
SINGAPORE: At a void deck near his home, Marcus*, a concerned parent, frequently witnesses secondary school students vaping while in their school uniforms. Leftover disposable vapes on the floor are a regular sight. “At least throw it in the bin,” he says, dismayed.
This issue hits even closer to home for Marcus, as his friends have caught their children—some as young as early teens—vaping.
Sarah*, a 20-year-old student, recalls classmates at her private tuition centre openly vaping during lessons. Flavored vapes, ranging from iced lemon tea to grape, were passed around freely. “The teacher asked them to stop, but there’s nothing he could really do,” she explains.
In university hostels, vapes are casually left on tables and shelves, underscoring how ingrained vaping has become in student culture. Despite efforts to curb the habit, the prevalence of a thriving black market makes enforcement challenging.
Growing Concern Among Youths
The rise in underage vaping in Singapore is alarming. Reports indicate a 58% increase in vaping offences in 2023 compared to the previous year. In 2022 alone, 800 students were referred to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for vaping-related offences—a stark contrast to fewer than 50 cases recorded in 2018 and 2019 combined.
The accessibility and variety of vapes contribute to this trend. Telegram groups offer an array of flavors with names like “Berry Blast” and “Pineapple Delight.” Ordering is as simple as accessing a Google Sheet, and some dealers even deliver bulk orders to customers’ doorsteps.
Ryan*, a university student who began vaping in secondary school, says, “It was easier to get into compared to smoking because it tastes better and was more accessible.”
Ineffectiveness of Current Measures
Despite the blanket ban on vapes, students often find loopholes. Sarah shares that even when friends were caught and fined, they simply purchased new devices.
Experts and parents like Marcus question whether Singapore’s ban effectively addresses the root of the problem. “The black market ensures access to vapes, and we don’t know what harmful substances these products might contain,” Marcus notes.
The government defends the ban, arguing that it prevents the harms of emerging tobacco products. However, some believe that regulation—similar to approaches in the EU or Australia—could better mitigate risks.
Toward a Risk-Controlled Approach
In countries with regulated vape markets, restrictions on nicotine levels and transparent labeling aim to minimize harm. While regulation isn’t a perfect solution, it could provide a safer alternative to black-market products.
For now, efforts remain focused on public education and law enforcement. But Marcus believes more needs to be done to tackle the source: “It’s not just about punishing users; we need stronger measures against smuggling and illegal distribution.”
Until then, the sight of disposable vapes in school bags or discarded in void decks may remain a troubling norm in Singapore.
