“Help, my child’s on the Internet!”
The Internet has been a game-changer in practically every aspect of our lives, especially in our interactions with friends and family. With so much information floating around in cyberspace, how can parents help children develop responsible and discerning attitudes towards their digital lives? This is by far one of the top priorities of parenting in a digital age. But learning the basics of healthy Internet use is not difficult.
A multi-prong approach
MDA adopts a multi-faceted approach in addressing harmful online content through regulation, industry effort, and public education. Education remains the long term answer in equipping internet users with the necessary skills to react appropriately to harmful and inappropriate content. Read more about MDA’s approach to the Internet here.
Learn about internet filters and controls
There are many internet controls that are inbuilt into computer operating systems and web browsers. These can help block access to undesirable sites that are unsuitable for children and teenagers. A comprehensive list can be found in the Parents' Handbook that we have produced specifically for parents. This resource also contains a very helpful list of Internet safety tips for parents, including step-by-step guides to set up internet controls and filters. Click here to access the Parents' Handbook.
Be aware of Cyber Wellness
What is Cyber Wellness? It refers to developing the positive well-being of Internet users and a healthy cyber culture for the Internet community in general. It involves an understanding of the risks of harmful online behavior, an awareness of how to protect yourself and others from such behavior, and recognition of the power of the Internet to affect you and the community at large. Learn more about Cyber Wellness.
BEING a victim of cyber-bullying can make life incredibly difficult, as one girl recently found out when she was targeted by a cyber-bully.
One day, Lisa (not her real name) was alerted by a close friend that there were profiles of her on various social networking sites. These included unflattering pictures, disturbing and provocative comments, and her direct contact details, as well as those of her family and friends.
Despite having the site administrators remove the profiles, they continued to pop up. Soon after, Lisa began receiving online and phone invitations from strangers who viewed the profiles. Such harassment disrupted not just her personal life, but also that of her friends and family, causing her a great deal of emotional distress.
Eventually, she contacted a volunteer at TOUCH Cyber Wellness & Sports (TC&S), and with the support of friends and her parents, went to the police for help. Lisa was initially sceptical about whether the police would be willing or able to assist her, but they proved to be very helpful and launched an investigation. While the police were not able to confirm the source of the cyber-bullying attacks, they did bring in a suspect for questioning, and the cyber-bullying stopped soon after this.
Looking back at the experience, Lisa makes two key points: First, realise that you have friends who are always willing to help, whether they’re your personal friends, family or people like the volunteers and professionals at TC&S—they are all willing to listen and offer a helping hand. Second, there are things that can be done to deal with cyber-bullying, and it’s often better to approach people for help earlier rather than later in order to avoid unnecessary stress and emotional damage.
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Helplines
Some parents are concerned that their children might have addiction issues with video games and Internet use. If so, you can contact the following groups who will be able to assist with their professional counsellors.
- Fei Yue Community Services
C/O Blk 604 Choa Chu Kang St 62
#01-53, Singapore 680604
Tel: 6563-1106 Fax: 6416-2182
- Project 180 (Youth Services)
Blk 145 Simei Street 2
#01-06, Singapore 520145
Tel: 6787-1125 Fax: 6787-9943
- Fei Yue EIPIC Centre
Blk 101 Jurong East St 13
#01-188, Singapore 600101
Tel: 6565 6260 Fax: 6565 7455
- Fei Yue Community Services (Tiong Bahru)
298 Tiong Bahru Road
#03-02 Tiong Bahru Central Plaza, Singapore 168730
Tel: 6593 6456 Fax: 6274 5453
- TOUCH Cyberwellness
Blk 162, Bukit Merah Central
#05-3555, Singapore 150162
General Enquiries - 6273 5568
School Programmes - 6317 9927
Parents’ / Adult Workshop - 6317 9944
Centre Programmes - 6317 9930
Counselling Services (TOUCHline) - 1800 377 2252
Cyberwellness@SG
MDA works with the Inter-Ministry Cyber Wellness Steering Committee to promote cyber wellness among youth. The website for this initiative -- Cyberwellness@SG -- is an excellent source of information for parents.
Learn more about ratings and consumer advice for the various media