A Focus on Education and Support
In a recent parliamentary session, Minister of State for Health Rahayu Mahzam addressed the issue of children reported for vaping. In response to a question from Member of Parliament Tan Wu Meng, Madam Rahayu clarified that children reported by their parents for vaping will not be fined.
This policy reflects a shift towards a more supportive approach for minors who engage in vaping. While the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has received approximately 4,000 to 5,000 cases involving possession or usage of e-vaporizers from the police over the past two years, only one of these cases involved a parent reporting their child.
In this specific instance, the child was issued a warning instead of a composition fine and referred to the Health Promotion Board (HPB) for counseling. This approach emphasizes education and support rather than punishment, recognizing that minors may require guidance and assistance to understand the potential risks associated with vaping.
The focus on education and support aligns with the broader public health approach to addressing youth vaping. By providing accurate information and resources, young people can make informed decisions about their health and well-being. Additionally, offering support services can help address any underlying factors that may contribute to vaping behavior.
While the long-term impact of this policy remains to be seen, the decision to prioritize education and support over punishment sends a clear message that the well-being of young people is paramount. This approach acknowledges the complexities of youth vaping and seeks to address the issue in a comprehensive and compassionate manner.
10 Comments
Rotfront
This is ridiculous! Minors shouldn't be vaping in the first place. Why are we rewarding bad behavior?
Karamba
I hope this policy also includes support for parents who are struggling to deal with their kids' vaping.
Matzomaster
This is a step in the right direction. It shows that the government is willing to try new approaches to tackling this complex issue.
Karamba
Don't we have bigger issues to be focusing on? We should be spending our resources on tackling real crimes, not coddling kids who vape.
Matzomaster
This policy undermines the efforts of organizations that are actively working to prevent youth vaping.
Africa
This is a positive development that recognizes the complexity of the issue and prioritizes the well-being of young people.
Mariposa
This feels like a slap in the face to parents. What about their authority? Where do they stand in all this?
Michelangelo
Are we just going to sweep this under the rug because it's a tough issue? Ignoring the problem won't make it go away.
Africa
This policy recognizes that not all young people who vape are the same. Some may need a stern warning, while others may require more comprehensive support.
ArtemK
We need to be open to different solutions. The old method of simply punishing kids wasn't working.