The mother of an 11-month-old boy who was filmed with a vape in his mouth has broken her silence — she says she regrets the incident and didn’t realize she was being filmed on the time.
The NSW mom, who was filmed laughing while the little boy inhaled fumes from a vape, was widely condemned after the footage was shared on social media.
Officers attached to the Mid North Coast Police District attended a house in Kempsey on Tuesday following a “concern-for-welfare report,” regarding the young boy.
The check followed the emergence of footage posted to social media showing the child sucking on an e-cigarette provided by his aunt.
In a single clip, a lady may be heard asking the child “wish to try?” before sticking the vape in his mouth, while in a second video, a lady is seen laughing as the child coughs out the toxic vapor.
The Each day Telegraph on Sunday night reported exclusively that the kid’s mother, 16, called the incident a “silly joke”.
“I wish I didn’t do it, but I never meant to harm him. I might never hurt him,” she told the newspaper.
NSW Police didn’t press charges after investigating. In a press release, they said, “no further motion might be taken”.
“Police have now spoken with the kid’s family and – following the recommendation provided by medical professionals and other governmental agencies – no further police motion might be taken,” an NSW Police spokesperson said.
The choice to not press charges comes amid calls for the child to be taken away from his mother from appalled viewers.
“Who gives their kid a vape, grow up, and be a greater mother,” one person commented.
“How are you going to put the vape as much as your personal son’s mouth and watch him suck on it and laugh while he’s choking and coughing.”
The mother later defended herself in a comment on Facebook.
“Every c— got the hide to take a seat there and speak about me and my child, have a look in yas own backyard,” she wrote.
“You ain’t perfect either so keep that mouth going you ain’t scary, you’re nothing but bums.”
For folks who consider their child has inhaled smoke from a vape, experts recommend in search of medical advice from the poisons hotline or visiting an emergency room.
Read the mother’s full interview with The Each day Telegraph here.
