Like living with a 'time bomb': Desperate parents report own son for vaping

New Paper

18-06-2025

A middle-aged couple has reported their 18-year-old son to the authorities twice, desperate to curb what they describe as his worsening addiction to e-cigarettes.
They say the teenager's behaviour changed drastically after he started vaping last year due to bad influences.
After their son began vaping, she noticed worrying signs: "He was walking unsteadily, falling over, his hands started to shake, and his face turned dark. His memory became poor, and he was always irritable."
Once a polite, well-behaved boy, he now slammed doors during arguments and ignored their pleas to stop.
His mother, who spoke to Shin Min Daily News, said he told her he was under pressure and used vapes to relax.
"But vaping is harmful to the body. How can we just watch him destroy himself? Every time we try to talk to him about it, we end up in a fight."
The couple eventually called the authorities. Officers confiscated the e-cigarettes and the family paid two fines totalling $600.
But he soon resumed the habit, ordering new ones through Telegram. His father said the products were delivered straight to their HDB block within a day.
The mother also took him for counselling and sought advice from a drug rehabilitation centre. But nothing worked.
"I'm willing to do anything to help my son. I've done everything I can think of, but it's no use. I hope someone out there can help us," she said.
She broke down in tears during the interview.
"Over the past year, our family has been living in fear. Our son is like a time bomb. We haven't had a good night's sleep."
Family members advised her to take a tougher stance or even walk away, but she couldn't bring herself to do so.
His father said the boy often grew angry and stormed out of the house when confronted.
"He doesn't come home until late. If he doesn't want to change, there's only so much we can do."
What frustrates the couple most is how easy it is for teenagers to buy e-cigarettes.
"We see reports of raids, but online sellers are still thriving. These devices are everywhere," said the father.
"Young people are still growing. Long-term vaping can seriously affect their health. Hopefully the authorities will crack down on these online groups."
E-cigarettes are banned in Singapore. PHOTO: SHIN MIN DAILY NEWS
According to the Health Promotion Board, e-cigarettes contain harmful chemicals, including nicotine, that can damage the lungs, brain and heart. The public can get help through HPB's iQuit programme, which offers counselling, quit plans and motivational support.
Parents are encouraged to show empathy rather than scold their children, and to seek help early.
As for this family, they are still clinging to hope.
"He is my son," said the mother. "If even his own mother gives up on him… I'm afraid he'll spiral even more."