From shisha smoke to the legal consciousness of social media influencers

In early September 2025, a clip recording the image of a streamer smoking shisha in a bar went viral on social networks. Paradoxically , a prohibited behavior is still being debated as a personal choice .

Image of streamer Do Mixi entering a bar in Hanoi to smoke shisha. Image cut from clip

Before 2025, shisha existed in a legal "gray zone". Although there was a Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms, the management of harmful products was actually lax. In the face of obvious dangers, the legal corridor was gradually tightened over time , not as a sudden decision.

Since July 2013, the City People's Committee HCM City has proposed that the Government consider putting shisha on the list of banned businesses. due to concerns about unclear origin , risk of being mixed with banned substances and adverse health effects . Shisha on the list of banned businesses

As of January 1, 2025, along with e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and laughing gas, shisha will be officially banned from production, trading, import and use according to Resolution 173/2024/QH15 of the National Assembly . This document has put a clear end to shisha in Vietnam along with e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. Any act of manufacturing, trading, importing, storing and using these products is a violation of regulations.

The basis of this ban is undeniable scientific basis. Medical experts have proven that shisha is much more dangerous than cigarettes. Smoking shisha within 1 hour, the amount of smoke inhaled into the body is equivalent to 100 cigarettes, with the amount of nicotine entering the body 75% higher than cigarettes.

The notion that smoke filtered through water is safe is also considered a "fallacy". WHO has given alarming figures: the risk of lung cancer is 5 times higher along with a series of other cancer risks and reduced reproductive function due to cigarette smoke. In addition, there is the risk of shisha being exploited to mix drugs and carcinogenic chemicals. The ban is a necessary legal action to protect public health.

Dr. Nguyen Ha Huy Trung - My Tho Regional Medical Center, Dong Thap province said: "In fact, many young people mistakenly think that smoking shisha is just a form of light entertainment, less harmful than cigarettes. However, recent epidemiological studies show that the rate of shisha use among young people is increasing, especially in large cities. One shisha smoking session can last for hours and cause the smoker to absorb many times more nicotine, carbon monoxide and dozens of carcinogens than a regular cigarette. We have recorded more and more cases of young people suffering from CO poisoning, reduced lung capacity, heart arrhythmia and nicotine dependence. Smoking shisha is not a trendy trend, but a public health issue that needs to be warned and controlled with timely medical and social measures."

The relationship between streamers and fans is a unique form of digital symbiosis. Unlike traditional celebrities who are aloof, streamers build their “soft power” on intimacy and authenticity.

The "famous" streamer using shisha has revealed a profound collision of value systems. This value system emphasizes the educational and orientational role of influencers. Whether they like it or not, celebrities still "shoulder" the social responsibility of being a moral example for young people. Invisibly, sharing "stylish" fun moments becomes a way to affirm the streamer's self-worth . In that context, trends like shisha can easily be normalized...

If the cultural perspective shows the complexity, the legal perspective shows that there are also shortcomings in the enforcement and communication of regulations banning these toxic, addictive products .

The above male streamer's scandal shows the lack of legal awareness among a segment of young people. The ban has been in effect for 9 years. Forgotten or unknown month? . The heated debate on social media still revolves around concepts related to personal entertainment, almost ignoring the most important issue of illegal behavior.

Mr. PKN (24 years old) - Bachelor of Law, graduated in 2023 said: “I did not know that shisha was completely banned, including production, trading, import, transportation, harboring and use from January 1, 2025. I often heard propaganda banning the use of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco but have not heard specific mention of shisha. In fact, I often see young people gathering to use shisha at bars, lounges , karaoke... for entertainment, showing off their "style".

The scandal of the male streamer smoking shisha is not only a story about the lifestyle of young people but also a remarkable lesson about the effectiveness of law implementation and enforcement. For a regulation to come into life, it is necessary to have extensive communication campaigns to change cultural awareness, strongly condemn deviant behavior along with strict supervision and handling of violations. Otherwise , "gray areas" in perception will still exist and the law will hardly be able to fully exert its effect in protecting the community.

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/tu-lan-khoi-shisha-den-y-thuc-phap-luat-cua-nguoi-co-anh-huong-tren-mang-xa-hoi.html