MOE staff including teachers can be fired if caught using or with vape

Ministry of Education (MOE) staff were warned in an internal circular that they will face disciplinary action and penalties, including being fired, if caught vaping or in possession of vapes.

MOE staff are 'role models': Circular

The circular, as seen by Mothership, emphasised that MOE takes a firm stance against vaping.

MOE officers, which includes teachers, involved in the consumption or possession of vapes will be subject to disciplinary action and penalties, including "dismissal from service".

MOE staff were also reminded that vaping is illegal in Singapore and poses serious health risks.

The circular noted that educators and MOE staff are "role models" to students and representatives of the ministry.

Staff are advised to inform school leaders or branch heads of any colleague involved in vaping-related activities.

Stepped up efforts against vape

Responding to queries from Mothership, an MOE spokesperson shared that the ministry will be working with schools to step up education efforts against vaping "amidst growing societal concern on vaping and Kpods."

This includes public primary and secondary schools, junior colleges and Millennia Institute, and will complement the ministry's ongoing preventive efforts.

According to the ministry's spokesperson, schools will be engaging their students on the harms and illegality of vapes and Kpods through means such as assembly talks and posters.

The content will be customised by the schools based on their students' profiles.

"Students will also be reminded to be vigilant about vape peddling activities near schools," the spokesperson added.

"Students who may be vaping will be encouraged to quit vaping, riding on the current ‘Bin the Vape’ campaign by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and People’s Association, and to seek support to quit vaping," the spokesperson said.

Briefings for Primary Four to Six students are to be conducted by Aug. 15, CNA reported.

Apart from schools, MOE will also reach out to parents on vaping and Kpods via Parents Gateway.

Parents will receive tips on looking out for signs of addiction, engaging their children in conversations and how to support them.

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Top image via Unsplash and MOE / Facebook