Swapping fast food for processed food, coffee for energy drinks, and smoking for vaping, the habit of finding 'better' substitutes is deeply ingrained in us. Our technology today has improved to such an extent that we have so many choices of a single product we want to use, it is no wonder we change our preferences so casually and often due to influences from around us.

Switching from one product to another isn’t inherently harmful. However, in today’s hyper-connected and commercialised world, are the things we consume, both virtually and physically, healthy for us? And how do we discern the truth?

Take vaping for example. It has not been around for as long as cigarettes, but we already see many companies making vape products. Consequently, we see a noticeable increase in vape usage in our society. Just observe the people at a bus stop during peak hours or attend any Generation Z or Alpha gathering – you’ll likely spot someone puffing out smoke without holding a cigarette. This phenomenon has become so common that even the authorities are reporting a rise in youths caught vaping in schools. Although I agree that one should have autonomy over one's body, I find the growing trend of vape possession and usage among youths deeply concerning.

To address this, the government needs to step in. Both education and regulation play a pivotal factor in helping the youths know what they are putting into their bodies. Therefore, legalising – and not banning – e-cigarettes in Singapore, is the most important factor in improving the regulation of e-cigarette usage and enhancing youth education on nicotine toxicity.

Although some argue that a total ban on vapes should be the only way forward, eradicating possession of vapes would be tenfold more difficult than regulating the usage of vapes and education especially when vaping is so widespread in our society. Instead, a similar approach to cigarettes should be taken - enforcing sales restrictions, changing to plain packaging with visual and textual health labels, and designating vaping prohibited areas. These would ultimately reduce the amount of vapes falling into the hands of youths and discourage its usage.

Bus stops and gatherings aren’t the only places I’ve seen youths vaping. Parks, toilets, and playgrounds are also common places where youths love to do it. Although there is a hotline for anonymous reporting, most people are unaware of it. The presence of public apathy, when we silently form opinions of these youths and abstain from speaking out when we walk past, also contributes to the increased use of vapes.

Therefore, we need to make discussions about vapes less stigmatised. Legalising e-cigarettes will shift the crux of debate from vapes being illegal to their detrimental health effects, which will be a more effective approach to educating youths.

Currently, our government’s education campaigns are focused more on how vaping is illegal. These types of campaigns aren’t effective due to a lack of proper checks to catch youths who vape. Relying on the hotline for tip-offs is not enough.

The government must control the narrative of vaping more effectively and tackle the issue by educating the negative health effects more aggressively, like what they are doing for cigarettes.

Furthermore, stricter regulation of vape usage will force companies to do more thorough research into the chemical breakdown of the vapes they are selling. This information will then be required to be submitted to Singapore's Health Science Authority to be verified before permitting their sales.

Using scientifically-backed guidelines set by legislation, authorities can dictate which products are safe. In addition, imposing a minimum age of 21 for vaping and adopting other regulations will increase the barriers to entry for vaping.

To reiterate, I am for body autonomy, but I believe that youths should be better informed and older before they choose to start vaping. Hence, regulation and education are important, but they can only be effective with legislation that legalises e-cigarettes. This will make youths think twice before picking up a vape.

The government must acknowledge that its current ban on vapes is only partially effective and that many youths will continue to vape. Legalising e-cigarettes is our only viable way forward.