Schools in Singapore roll out new anti‑vaping curriculum

Key Concepts

• Vaping
• Character and Citizenship Education (CCE)
• Class C Drug (Singapore)
• Addiction
• Dependency
• Peer Pressure
• Empathy
• Support Systems

Vaping Education in Schools

Presbyterian High School students engaged in a Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) lesson focused on vaping. This initiative is part of a broader effort by schools to incorporate more anti-vaping content into science curricula since September. The lessons aim to provide students with accurate information regarding the risks associated with vaping.

Singapore's Classification of Vaping Products

A significant aspect of the educational content includes updated information explaining why Singapore has classified vaping products as Class C drugs. This classification underscores the seriousness with which the government views the health implications and potential for harm associated with vaping.

Science Behind Addiction and Dependency

Students are learning about the scientific mechanisms underlying addiction and how vaping can lead to dependency. This includes understanding the physiological and psychological processes that contribute to the development of a vaping habit.

Addressing Peer Pressure and Ethical Dilemmas

The lesson presented a scenario where a student is asked by a friend to hide a vape. This scenario was used to stimulate discussion and critical thinking among students regarding their responses to peer pressure and ethical choices. The potential responses discussed included:

• Helping the friend hide the vape.
• Informing a teacher.
• Checking on the friend's well-being and potential underlying personal issues before advising them to stop.
• Simply refusing and walking away.

Student Perspectives on Support

Some students expressed a nuanced approach to dealing with friends who vape. Their perspective emphasized the importance of first understanding the friend's situation and any personal problems they might be facing. This approach prioritizes empathy and connection before directly confronting the behavior. As one student stated, "First of all, we have to like know about their situations first before telling them to stop doing it because I think it's important to um get in touch with them about their problems instead of like, 'Oh, no, you can't do This'." This highlights a preference for a supportive intervention rather than an immediate punitive one.

Conclusion

The educational efforts at Presbyterian High School, and likely other schools, are focused on equipping students with knowledge about the dangers of vaping, the science of addiction, and the legal status of these products in Singapore. Crucially, these lessons also aim to foster critical thinking and ethical decision-making skills when faced with peer pressure, encouraging a balance between addressing harmful behaviors and offering support to friends in need.