What are the tell-tale signs that a child is vaping?

What are other signs that parents need to look out for?

Look for sweet or fruity odours, increased thirst, and behavioural changes like such as secrecy, irritability, or protectiveness over personal items. Some signs may also include coughing or shortness of breath. Modern vapes are often disguised as USB drives, pens, highlighters, or even everyday items like inhalers. Check for unfamiliar electronic devices (e.g., pods, cartridges, chargers) and be aware that vapour dissipates quickly, making detection challenging.

Read more from signs & symptoms of vaping here: https://familiesforlife.sg/pages/Signs-Symptoms-of-Vaping

Etomidate-laced vaping can lead to serious symptoms such as loss of body coordination, tremors and involuntary movements.

Read more about signs of etomidate-lased vaping here: Etomidate-laced Vaping - National Addictions Management Service (NAMS)

- What health risks should young people know about vaping?

- How does vaping affect respiratory and heart health?

Vaping is not safe and can harm both the lungs and the heart. In the short term, vaping may trigger coughing, breathlessness, dizziness, or chest pain. Long-term harms include:

- Lung damage and reduced lung capacity

- Nicotine addiction

- Impaired brain development, affecting memory, learning, and impulse control

- Heart rhythm irregularities and higher risk of cardiovascular problems

Vaping may also worsen asthma or other respiratory conditions.

Read more about health risks of vaping here:

https://familiesforlife.sg/pages/facts-about-vaping

https://www.healthhub.sg/programmes/iquit/e-cig/

How can parents discuss vaping without creating defensiveness?

What should parents do when teens stop listening to anti-vaping messages?

- Use non-judgmental, curious, open-ended questions instead of lecturing (e.g., “What do you think vaping does to your body?”).

- Focus on health and safety, not punishment.

- Listen actively, show empathy, and validate their feelings before sharing concerns.

If your child stops listening, try:

- Sharing real stories or news articles that resonate

- Involving a trusted mentor, relative, teacher, or older sibling

- Taking a break from the topic and returning later with a fresh approach

For more tips, click here: https://familiesforlife.sg/pages/conversation-tips-with-your-child-about-vaping

What should parents do if they discover their child is vaping?

How can parents handle confiscating vapes while preserving dignity?

Stay calm. Begin with a private, respectful conversation:

Ask why they started and how they feel about vaping

Focus on health risks and your concern for their wellbeing

Work together to make a plan to quit rather than relying on punishment

Explain your reasoning and involve your child in creating a plan to quit.

Respect their dignity by avoiding public confrontations and working together on solutions.

Read more here: https://www.gov.sg/stopvaping-support-parents

For more conversation tips, click here: https://familiesforlife.sg/pages/tips-4-conversation-starters-about-vaping

Why is vaping popular among young people?

How can parents address children's curiosity about vaping?

Young people may experiment with vaping because of peer influence, curiosity, stress, boredom, or the attraction of flavours and marketing. Social media also plays a role in glamorising vaping.

Parents can help by:

- Encouraging open, non-judgmental discussions about vaping

- Explaining the science and health risks in a clear, age-appropriate way

- Exploring healthier alternatives for stress relief, such as exercise, music, mindfulness activities or creative hobbies.

Read more about having conversations about vaping with your children here:

https://www.healthhub.sg/well-being-and-lifestyle/child-and-teens-health/conversations-abt-vaping

https://familiesforlife.sg/pages/conversation-tips-with-your-child-about-vaping

How should vaping education differ by age group?

What strategies help children resist peer pressure?

For younger children (7 years old to 12 years old): Use simple health messages (“Vaping hurts your lungs”) and reinforce values like self-respect and making safe choices.

For adolescents (teens and youths): Provide detailed facts about health risks, addiction, and industry tactics. Role-play peer pressure scenarios so they can practice saying “no” confidently.

Helpful strategies include:

- Teaching refusal skills (“No thanks, I don’t want to damage my lungs”)

- Building self-confidence through positive reinforcement

- Encouraging friendships with peers who share healthy values

- Maintaining open communication at home

Read more about having conversations about vaping with your children here:

https://www.healthhub.sg/well-being-and-lifestyle/child-and-teens-health/conversations-abt-vaping

https://familiesforlife.sg/pages/conversation-tips-with-your-child-about-vaping

How can parents encourage teens to join cessation programmes?

What should parents do if children become aggressive about quitting?

What community resources are available?

Present cessation programmes as supportive rather than as punishment, emphasising health benefits and personal choice. Share that those who voluntarily seek help will not face penalties for doing so.

- If a child reacts with anger or aggression, stay calm and seek professional help. Family counselling can provide safe spaces to manage conflict.

- Community resources include school counsellors and teachers.

- Quit Vape Programme

With professional guidance, the chances of long-term success in quitting are much higher.

For more support, click here: https://familiesforlife.sg/pages/vaping-where-to-seek-help

For more information, click here: https://www.gov.sg/stopvaping-support-vapers

For more FAQs on vaping, click here: https://www.gov.sg/stopvaping-faq