The Ministry of Education MOE said the number of students caught for smoking and vaping offences has been low over the past three years and covers pupils in primary schools, secondary schools and pre-university institutions.
The Ministry of Education takes a firm stand against vaping, it added.
We work closely with the Health Sciences Authority HSA and Health Promotion Board HPB to remind students that vaping is illegal at any age, and to review guidelines and cessation efforts for student offenders. Since February 2018, the use, purchase and possession of e-vaporisers have been banned in Singapore, but such products continue to be sold online and smuggled into the country.
HSA said earlier this year that there has been a significant increase in vaping cases. A student health adviser told CNA in June that teens and even primary school students are picking up the habit.
MOE said that when a student is caught committing smoking or vaping offences, the products are confiscated.
The schools then impose appropriate disciplinary actions, such as detention, suspension or caning for boys, depending on severity of the offence.
They are reported to HSA, which will fine and take action against recalcitrant offenders, MOE said in its statement.