Protect your children from inappropriate content.
Talk to them about it.

Why it matters

According to a Google survey conducted in 2020, 1 in 2 parents reported that their children had viewed inappropriate content online^[1].

While the trend of children being exposed to online risks and harmful content isn’t new, the stay-home measures arising from COVID-19 has led to a sharp spike in these incidents^[1] due to increased time spent online.

Viewing inappropriate content can have adverse effects on a young person’s health and wellbeing^[2]. Accidentally stumbling upon unsuitable online content such as a forum promoting self-harm while innocently searching for other things can cause a child to feel upset and confused^[3]. That’s why it’s important that parents are aware of what their children are accessing online.

What sort of inappropriate content^[2][3][4][5] might my child be exposed to online?

Some examples are:

• Violence
• Extremist behaviour
• Sites advocating criminal and anti-social behaviour
• Content promoting unsafe behaviour, such as eating disorders or self-harm
• Pornography
• Other sexually explicit content which may occur through online sexual grooming on social media platforms, hobby groups and forums, where an online predator may befriend a child online and build up the child’s trust with the intention of exploiting them and causing them harm.^[6]

Why should I start a conversation with my child?

It is not possible to check everything your child sees on the Internet. However, you can help them avoid unsuitable content, and prepare them to safeguard themselves in the event that they do encounter such content^[3][7]

The first step is to talk about it. You should start to talk to your child once they start to use the Internet. For a start, a good tip is for parents to explore sites and apps together when your child is going online for the first time. Having chats^[3][5][7] on a regular basis can help connect you with your child. You can take the chance to:

• Explain the importance of age limits
  Many sites including YouTube and Facebook have a minimum age limit of 13. Explain to your child that age limits are there to help protect them from what they may not be ready to view, so always keep to the sites’ recommended age limits.

• Agree on some ground rules
  Get to know what your child likes to view and do online^[8]. Make a pact with them on the sites, search engines, and apps that are best for their age. Set up a time-table and schedule for device usage, have a time limit on screen time, and make a firm decision on the off-limit hours^[9]. If your child is very young, consider using parental controls on their devices to set boundaries^[10].

• Talk about the difference between what’s real and false
  Remind them to check with other sources if a story doesn’t sound believable ^[11], or if an online deal appears too good to be true.

• Explain the risks of accepting emails, messages or opening files from strangers
  Remind them that it can be dangerous as such content may contain viruses or images unsuitable for their age.

• Warn them about the dangers of meeting “friends” they know online
  Share with your child about the possibility of encountering sexual predators, who build trusting relationships with minors for the purpose of taking sexual advantages^[5]. They may also be scammers or bullies out to extort money from your child^[12].

If your child is meeting a person they know online, they should inform you and seek your permission. Remind your child to meet their online friend at a busy public place, or even bring their friend along for the meetup^[13].

• Calm and reassure them
  Reassure your child that they can come to you any time if they come across anything upsetting online.

What kind of tools do I have to protect my child^[14]?

You can put a few simple measures in place to help mitigate the dangers of inappropriate content and instead focus on the positive experiences on the Internet. Some of what you can do are:

• Set up parental controls
  You can install and set up parental controls on the devices your child uses.
• Turn on safe search on search engines
  Activate safe search settings on major search engines, or use child-friendly search engines. Don’t forget to also opt for the safety mode on other sites like YouTube, iTunes and Google Play.
• Set up privacy filters
  You can help your child control who has access to their content and what they see via privacy settings on social networking sites like Facebook.
  

References:

^[1] More than half of S’pore children encountered inappropriate content in 2020: Google
^[2] eSafetyyoung people
^[3] What parents need to know about inappropriate content
^[4] Inappropriate content
^[5] Be smart: Online Sexual Grooming
^[6] Media Literacy Council Resources: Inappropriate Content
^[7] Tips and tools to block inappropriate content online
^[8] A Parent’s Guide to Keeping Children Safe & Smart Online
^[9] Clique Click. Bringing children up in the digital age
^[10] Social Media Guide. What is the right age for my child?
^[11] Fake news: What is it? And how to spot it
^[12] Meeting strangers after Web chats: Kids ‘need guidance’
^[13] Making online friends the safe way
^[14] Protect your child

Put a stop to cyberbullying.
Learn how to protect yourself and your community.

Why should I care about cyberbullying?

1 in 3 Singaporeans have experienced cyberbullying^[1].

As cyberbullying becomes more prevalent, anyone can become the next victim and may suffer negative emotional, mental, behavioural or physical stress. For example, the victim might encounter sleep disorders leading to poorer physical health. They can also be at a greater risk of developing mental health issues such as anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, and even self-harm.

In many cases, cyberbullying can be more threatening than face-to-face bullying because:

• It can happen anywhere and anytime. Even in “safe” places like home. The risk is there as long as you are online.
• It can be done anonymously. You may not be sure who is targeting you
• Its impact is more far-reaching. Emails, photos or comments can be seen by anyone online and this can cause more humiliation^[2]

How can I identify it?

Cyberbullying involves the use of digital communications (e.g. internet or mobile phones) to deliberately attempt to cause physical, emotional and psychological harm to others^[3].

It can take place on various online platforms, such as messaging apps, social media, forums, and gaming platforms, where people can participate in and share content.

Cyberbullying can also come in many forms^[4]. Some of which are:

• Insulting the victim with offensive language
• Harassing the victim with hurtful or threatening messages
• Uploading embarrassing material (photo or video) to hurt the victim
• Impersonating the victim online to tarnish the victim’s reputation
• Excluding the victim from an online group intentionally

How can I tell if someone’s being cyberbullied?

Cyberbullying can happen to anyone. Here are some signs^[4] that a person may be experiencing cyberbullying:

Sudden change in temperament

• Unusually angry, nervous, or depressed
• Upset or anxious when getting a phone message or using digital devices

Becoming socially withdrawn

• Abnormally reclusive from family and friends
• Uneasy about going out, such as to school or to work
• Deletes their social media accounts
• Stops using their digital devices

Declining interest in life or daily activities

• Sharp fall in academic performance
• Loss of confidence at work

What can I do to help someone in trouble?

No one should be tackling cyberbullying alone. Here are steps^[4] you can take to help the victim:

Empathise

• Listen to understand the situation
• Offer emotional support for the victim

Evaluate

• Remain calm and think about how you can help^[5]
• Can the case be resolved privately or should the victim report it to the authorities (school administration, police, or relevant social media platform’s support team)?
• If you are uncomfortable with handling the matter on your own, get help from someone you and the victim trust^[5]

Evidence

• Help the victim save the evidence by taking screenshots of the posts, photos, or chats
• This can be helpful if you are making a report to authorities (school administration, police, or relevant social media platform’s support team)

What should I do if I experience cyberbullying?

Stay calm and consider taking these steps:

Act

• Exit the chat group or delete the app where the bullying takes place. This can prevent the cyberbully from making more attempts
• Change the privacy settings on your phone or social media account to block or restrict the person(s). On most social media platforms, people aren’t notified when you block, restrict or report them^[6]
• Store and organise the photos, messages, or videos as cyberbullying evidence to help you make a report
• Report the content to authorities (school, police, social media platform’s support team). Social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter encourage self-reporting to help them review and remove content that goes against their guidelines^[6]. Learn more about the steps you can take to combat cyberbullying on digital and social media platforms:

•   Google: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802268?hl=en
•   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/help/1709360766019559
•   Instagram: https://help.instagram.com/547601325292351
•   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/safety/en/bullying-prevention/
•   Twitter: https://help.twitter.com/en/forms/safety-and-sensitive-content/abuse

Assistance

• Reach out to someone you trust for advice if you are at a loss.
• Share your experience with your parent, teacher or friend so that you can discuss the matter together. Remember, you don’t have to deal with the issue alone.
• Contact a counsellor if you need professional help:
  
  
• TOUCH Cyber Wellness
  Tel: 1800 377 2252
  Email: cyberwellness@touch.org.sg
  
  Fei Yue Community Services
  Tel: +65 6563 1106
  Online contact form:
  www.fycs.org/contact-us/
  
  Help123
  Tel: 1800 6123 123
  Email: hello@help123.sg
  
  Tinklefriend
  Tel: 1800 2744 788
  Online chat: www.tinklefriend.sg
  (For primary school students only)
  
  Bullyfree
  Tel: 6276 5077
  Email: bullyfree.sg@childrensociety.org.sg

References:

^[1] Digital Civility Survey by Microsoft in 2020
^[2] Bullying and Cyberbullying
^[3] TOUCH Cyber Wellness: “5 Steps: Address Cyberbullying”
^[4] Be Kind: Cyberbullying Tipsheets
^[5] Teens | Bullying Prevention Hub
^[6] Cyberbullying: What is it and how to stop it

 

Do you have digital burnout?
Learn how to care for your digital wellness.

What is digital burnout?

Digital burnout refers to the feelings of anxiety, exhaustion, depression or diminished interest in things around you caused by too much time spent on digital devices^[1].

How do I know if it’s too much screen time?

Here are some signs^[1][2] that you may be spending too much time online:

• Headache
• Eye strain
• Finger or wrist aches
• Chest pain
• Decreased energy
• Diminished work efficiency
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Constantly find yourself engaged online or talking about online activities

Why is digital burnout a growing concern?

Smartphones and computers have long become an indispensable part of our lives. But with work-from-home measures following the pandemic and the expectation of always being “on” ^[3], we are spending more time than ever on our digital devices, and this can increase the risk of burning out.

According to a survey conducted by National University Health System’s (NUHS) Mind Science Centre, 61% of Singaporeans feel stressed working from home^[4].

In fact, digital burnout has raised global concerns. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has officially recognised burnout as an “occupational phenomenon” that can influence health status^[1].

What can I do to protect my digital wellness?

It is vital to monitor how much time you are spending online, as this can affect your overall well-being^[2]. Here are some tips^[5][6][7] to take control of your digital wellness:

• Focus on one thing at a time
  Avoid multi-tasking or having multiple applications and windows open. This can be overwhelming and even distract you from getting your work done.


• Limit email clutter
  Too many emails back and forth can be stressful. Instead of emailing, share documents and get work done via online collaboration tools.


• Learn to unplug
  Set a daily routine of short breaks in between work. Just 5 to 10 minutes of breather can help reduce the risk of burnout.


• Log off when it’s time
  Do you stay in touch with your co-workers for work even after business hours? Try putting your phone away when it’s family or me-time. Also, avoid checking your work email before you go to bed, to rest your mind well.


• Manage screen time
  Most digital devices allow you to do screen time management.
  For instance, the feature Screen Time on iPhone and iPad lets you know how much time you spend on apps, websites, and more. Likewise, the Digital Wellbeing app on Android phones does the same. This allows you to adjust your daily usage habits and set limits if you like^[5].


• Delete what you don’t use
  Do an audit on the apps, social media accounts, and email subscriptions you have. Take control of your digital wellness by opting out of information or accounts you don’t need.


• Engage in offline activities
  Being caught up in the digital world, sometimes we can forget there’s so much more to life. So exercise your green thumb, explore new recipes, have a real chat with your loved ones. Take your mind off the digital world, and reconnect with your real self as well as life.


• Get some exercise^[8]
  Head out and get your body moving with some exercise. It help to counter the effects of a sedentary lifestyle and increases well-being while reducing stress and burnout.

References:

^[1]Power down: 4 ways to fight digital burnout
^[2]A safe and happy Internet
^[3]Digital workplace and culture. How digital technologies are changing the workforce and how enterprises can adapt and evolve
^[4]More working from home feel stressed than those on Covid-19 front line: Survey
^[5]Avoiding Digital Burnout as a Remote Employee
^[6]Use screen time on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
^[7]6 Tips to Deal with Digital Burnout
^[8]Reducing workplace burnout: the relative benefits of cardiovascular and resistance exercise

 

Pause for a sec.
Don’t forward what’s unchecked.

Why should I share news responsibly?

6 in 10 people in Singapore have received false online content about COVID-19 on social media^[1].

According to a study by the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information from the Nanyang Technological University, there has been an unprecedented amount of information received by the public since 2020 across all social media platforms, much of which is inaccurate or false^[1].

Researchers have termed this phenomenon an "infodemic", to describe the deluge of information surrounding COVID-19^[2].

An infodemic, as defined by The World Health Organization, is too much information including false or misleading information in digital and physical environments during a disease outbreak ^[3].

With the wide use of social media and the Internet today, information can spread more rapidly and this can make an infodemic as viral as a pandemic.

How can the spread of false online content impact me and people around me?

Some effects of an infodemic or irresponsible sharing of false online content are:

• Spreading unnecessary fear^[4]
  In April 2020, there were text messages being circulated that the Singapore Police Force was proactively enforcing safe distancing measures by doing spot checks at residential units. This unsubstantiated information, which the Police later clarified as false, had the ability to cause public alarm^[3].


• Causing confusion^[3]
  An overload of unverified information can cause people to be unsure about what they need to do to protect their health and the health of people around them, and this can intensify or lengthen outbreaks.


• Leading to mistrust in health authorities^[3]
  Mis- and disinformation can increase stigmatisation; polarizing public debate on COVID-19; amplifying hate speech; and lead to poor observance of public health measures ^[7]. Without the appropriate trust and correct information, public health response will be undermined and the virus will continue to thrive.


• Promoting a negative cyber environment^[4]
  COVID-19 has given rise to the number of online vigilantes who take extreme measures when reporting people who flout safe-distancing rules. If these humiliating content and negative comments are circulated online, it can create a climate of outrage, fear and suspicion.

What can I do to avoid sharing false online content?

Don’t be too quick to click the share button! Here are some steps you can take to fact-check and make sure you are sharing responsibly:

• Get the whole story, not just the headline
  Does the headline sound sensational? Headlines can use exaggerated words to capture attention instead of giving helpful insight into the content. Hence it’s important to read the full story before sharing it^[4].


• Check the sources
  Where did it come from? Did the information come from a credible source, an expert, or authority in the relevant field? If you can’t find sources, research the topic online to evaluate if the content is real^[5].
  For a list of fact-checking sites, visit Fact-checking Tools at
  https://sure.nlb.gov.sg/covid19/tools/
  For more information or advice on identifying scams, go to scamalert.sg or call the Anti-Scam hotline at 1800-772-6688.


• Look for bias
  Does the content seem to lean towards a particular point of view? Biased content can be driven by opinions—it may not be giving you the full story^[5].


• Check the dates
  Undated information could be old news that’s no longer relevant. As information can have an expiry date too, always try to get the most up-to-date news^[5].


• Look out for grammar or spelling mistakes
  These little clues can be tell-tale signs that the content is not credible^[6].


• Maintain a healthy sense of scepticism
  Finally, if the news seems too good or too weird to be true, it probably is^[6].

References:

^[1]National Centre of Infectious Diseases (NCID) survey conducted in Singapore
^[2]6 in 10 people in Singapore have received fake COVID-19 news, likely on social media: Survey
^[3]Infodemic
^[4]Be smart – responsible sharing
^[5]Tips for avoiding fake news
^[6]How to spot fake news tipsheet
^[7]Mitigating the harm from misinformation and disinformation

Say no to online harassment.
Make the Internet a better place.

What is online harassment?

Online harassment is behaviour that goes out of the way to cause trouble for someone by intimidating, threatening, or humiliating them online, which can have serious social, psychological, or even physical consequences^[1] for the victims.

Some examples of online harassment are:

• Online shaming
  Posting derogatory comments via digital means to publicly hurt or humiliate a person^[1].


• Doxxing
  Sharing personal information (e.g. full name, home address, workplace, school, family members’ details) about an individual online so as to draw unwanted public attention to the person^[1].
  
  In Singapore, doxxing is an offence. Perpetrators could face:
  A fine of up to S$5,000 or a jail term of up to 6 months
  if the intention was to cause harassment^[2][3].
  
  A jail term of 12 months
  if the intention was to cause fear or provoke violence^[2][3].


• Digital vigilantism
  Digital vigilantism involves directly targeting or punishing alleged offenders based on perceived wrongdoing, via digital means, in the name of social justice[4].
  
  In their pursuit, digital vigilantes could end up doxxing alleged offenders or identifying them wrongly^[5]. So, what could have started as an act of justice might result in a case of online harassment.


• Defamation
  Creating and sharing false information online about a person to tarnish their reputation^[1].


• Online Sexual Harassment
  Displaying unwelcome sexual conduct online, which includes sending sexually explicit emails, messages, images, or videos to a person, making the person feel offended, humiliated or intimidated^[6][7].

How can online harassment impact the victim?

The effects of online harassment do not just stay online, they can pervade the victim’s real life. Possible consequences include:

• Being publicly outcasted
  The victim might suffer public shame that far outweighs the official punishment for his/her action^[5].


• Being wrongly accused
  There are many examples of how vigilantes can end up exposing the wrong person^[5]. In such cases, the victim would suffer public shame he/she doesn’t deserve.


• Losing one’s job
  Faced with public pressure, the company might decide to let the victim go. This means anyone’s reputation and livelihood can be easily threatened.


• Living in fear
  The victim’s daily life can experience major changes due to fear of online abuse. He/she might be fearful of opening his/her emails or even going to work^[8].


• Affecting one’s mental health
  The victim might experience a decreased ability to concentrate, difficulty in making day-to-day decisions, or increased levels of anxiety^[8].

I’m being harassed online. What can I do?

• Talk to someone you trust: inform a family member, trusted friend, or counsellor about what is happening
• Report the material: most social media platforms have the option to report offensive content. Here are the reporting links of some of the more popular social media platforms:
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/help/reportabuse
  • Messenger: https://www.facebook.com/help/messenger-app/1165699260192280/
  • Twitter: https://help.twitter.com/en/safety-and-security/report-abusive-behavior
  • Whatsapp: https://faq.whatsapp.com/general/security-and-privacy/staying-safe-on-whatsapp/?lang=en
  • Instagram: https://help.instagram.com/547601325292351
  • TikTok: https://support.tiktok.com/en/safety-hc/report-a-problem
  • Telegram: https://telegram.org/faq

Report the harasser to the social media platform or mobile service: if they find a different platform from which to approach you, or use a different number, continue to report them

• Keep all information providing evidence of the harassment: take screenshots before the social media platform or service provider removes flagged content or the harasser deletes the evidence
• Contact the authorities: consider involving law enforcement or a lawyer for severe cases. Most forms of severe online harassment are illegal in Singapore under the Protection from Harassment Act[9]. You have the option to apply for a Protection Order under the Act.

There are several organisations you can approach for professional help and advice^[1]. Here are some:

• AWARE (Association of Women for Action and Research)
  For counselling and legal advice for women
  Phone: 1800 777 5555
  Email: helpline@aware.org.sg
  Website: http://aware.org.sg


• Samaritans of Singapore
  For emotional support for suicide-related issues
  Phone: 1800 221 4444
  Email: pat@sos.org.sg
  Website: https://www.sos.org.sg


• Community Justice Centre
  For practical and emotional support, and in-person legal advice
  Phone: 6557 4100
  Email: help@cjc.org.sg
  Website: https://cjc.org.sg


• The Legal Aid Bureau (LAB)
  For legal services for Singaporeans and PRs
  Phone: 1800 225 5529
  Website: https://www.mlaw.gov.sg/

How can I stop people from flouting COVID-19 rules without doxxing?

Should you come across groups of people breaking safe-distancing rules or an illegal gathering hotspot, report to the authorities on the OneService App^[9].

References:

^[1]Online harassment
^[2]‘Doxxing’ to be criminalised under amendments to Protection from Harassment Act
^[3]Commencement of Protection from Harassment Court on 1 June 2021
^[4]The many shades of digital vigilantism. A typology of online self-justice
^[5]COVID-19 social media vigilantes: A valid or harmful way of dealing with rule breakers?
^[6]Effectively preventing and responding to sexual harassment: A Code of Practice for Employers (2008) | Australian Human Rights Commission
^[7]Defining online sexual harassment
^[8]Toxic Twitter – The Psychological Harms of Violence and Abuse Against Women Online | Amnesty International
^[9]Overview Of The Protection From Harassment Act
^[10]There's An App For You To Report People Breaking Safe Distancing Rules — But Here’s What To Take Note Of Before You Do