TEENS: We in the United States and Canada like to think that we are world leaders when it comes to the health and safety of our citizens. Most often it's true, but when it comes to tobacco smoking, Singapore has the most stringent anti-smoking laws on earth. In Singapore, cigarette packages are required to have health warnings displayed on both sides. In addition, there are two new warning messages: "Smoking kills" and "Smoking harms your family."

Establishments or people caught selling to minors face fines of $6,300 and members of the military who smoke in public while in uniform will be fined and disciplined. Smoking is now banned in all restaurants, supermarkets department stores, museums, theaters, libraries, indoor sports arenas, public transportation and government offices.

Singapore is also hard on teens who smoke. Fines of $30 are imposed on anyone under the age of 18 carrying cigarettes in public, whether or not they were actually smoking. A fine of $60 is assessed for the second and all subsequent offenses. It's the parents' responsibility to see that the fines are paid. If not, parents are subjected to spending a night in jail. Teachers are also required to fine students who break the law.

I REALLY WANT A HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION

DEAR DR. WALLACE: I'm 16, and I've dropped out of high school. I now realize that this was a mistake and want to return, but my high school won't let me return because they don't think I would take schoolwork seriously. I really do want a high school education. What can I do? — Nameless, Chicago, Ill.

DEAR NAMELESS: Have one of your parents talk with the principal and if you still are not admitted, have a parent talk with the school superintendent. If that doesn't get results, take your case to the Board of Education. 16-year-olds belong in school unless they are a total disruption to others.

I DIDN'T INFLICT PAIN ON MY CHILDREN

DR. WALLACE: I'd like to respond to the mother who uses corporal punishment (spanking, whipping) as a form of discipline for her children. She says that the Good Book tells her that if you "spare the rod, you'll spoil the child."

I'd like to inform this parent that the famous saying, "Spare the rod, spoil the child" cannot be found anywhere in the Bible. I find it hard to believe that Our Lord would inflict pain on a child. I'm glad you, too, are against corporal punishment as a form of discipline.

I have three well-adjusted, bright and highly honorable children ages 12 to 17 and I can honestly say that I have been a strict disciplinarian without ever having inflicted pain on their young bodies. — Mother, Galesburg, Ill.

MOTHER: I have received several letters stating that "Spare the rod, spoil the child" is not a Bible verse, but in Proverbs, several verses refer to the rod as a form of discipline. I choose to believe that "the rod" is meant as a metaphor for discipline itself, not the literal method of administering it.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. E-mail him at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.