'I vaped when I woke up until I slept': More youth vaping to cope with stress, say social workers

Seven social service agencies say they are seeing more youth vaping, some as young as 10 years old

- Shermaine Ang. Nadine Chua and Christine Tan

After he failed his O-level exams, which he took as a private candidate, Malcolm (not his real name) used etomidate-laced vapes, or Kpods, to cope with the disappointment.

His friend from school had introduced him to them, and Malcolm, 18, was soon diagnosed with depression and anxiety.

He would vape from the time he woke up until he slept.

Vaping in his friend's home at first, Malcolm subsequently vaped blatantly in malls, public smoking areas and on the streets.

A few months later, he would black out every day.

He said: "My friend said (Kpods) would help with the depression, but it made it worse." His parents contacted an addiction recovery centre, We Care Community Services, for help.

Over two months, he attended daily weekday counselling sessions from 10.30am to 7pm and has been clean of Kpods for three months. Malcolm will start a PSB Academy course in life sciences in September.

He is one of over 30 clients who sought help at We Care to quit vaping in 2025.

Seven social service agencies said that they are seeing more young people vaping, with some noting a spike in the first quarter of 2025.

We Care, along with Allkin Singapore, The Salvation Army, Youth Guidance Outreach Services, the Methodist Welfare Services' (MWS) Girls' Residence, Care Corner Singapore, and Care Singapore, reported an increase in youth vapers or inquiries on quitting vaping, which is banned here.

Some started vaping as young as 10 years old. On Aug 17, during the National Day Rally, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said vaping is affecting young people in Singapore.

He said the authorities will be taking tougher action against those who sell vapes laced with addictive substances like etomidate. Etomidate is meant for use only during medical procedures. When vaped, it enters the lungs directly, potentially triggering spasms, breathing difficulties, seizures and even psychosis.