Cyber Wellness
Help your child stay safe online by taking an active role in their digital life. Learn practical steps to guide and protect your child in cyberspace.
Steps for PARENTing in the Digital Age
To complement the cyber wellness curriculum in schools, parents can set a good example at home in the use of technology and play an active role in guiding our children to navigate in cyberspace. Here are the steps for PARENTing in the digital age:
Provide opportunities for a variety of offline activities
Spend time with your child by carrying out family activities such as sports and outdoor activities so that your child has a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Activate parental controls in all computing devices.
To setup parental controls in Apple devices:
Turn on the iPad's Restrictions.
Go to Settings > General > Restrictions and tap Enable Restrictions.
Every time you do this you'll be asked to set a 4-digit passcode and enter it a second time. Be sure it's something you can remember but your kid won't figure out.
For more information, please visit Apple Support.
Role-model good digital habits
Manage your own digital habits such as avoiding extensive use of technology and avoiding use of technology during meal times.
Show your child safe, responsible and respectful behaviour when sharing, collaborating and creating online.
Establish the ground rules for internet use
Some basic rules could include the following:
DOs:
Seek permission before using computing devices
Have a time limit for the use of computing devices
Practice netiquette on the internet
Respect intellectual property right
Follow rules and terms of use of different websites
DON'Ts:
Access websites that have age restrictions (e.g. many social media sites have age limit for setting up accounts to comply with international regulations on children accessing social media).
Share password with others
Share personal information online
Meet strangers face to face without parent's knowledge
Spread rumours and say mean things online
Navigate the internet with your child to understand his/her user
Surf the Internet with your child so that you know what he/she does online and whether he/she is involved in age-appropriate activities. This will help to hone your child’s skills to translate his/her understanding into actions which he/she can later apply should he/she face similar situations.
Highlight to your child not to respond to anyone who says something inappropriate and he/she should immediately leave any site if he/she feel uncomfortable.
Access websites that have age restrictions (for e.g. many social media sites have age limit for setting up accounts to comply with international regulations on children accessing social media).
Share password with others
Share personal information online
Meet strangers face to face without parents' knowledge
Spread rumours and say mean things online
Talk with your child about his/her internet use
Get your child to share with you his/her favourite online websites, things he/she do online and what is cool amongst his/her friends.
Talk to him/her about his/her online experiences. (For example, discuss about the benefits and risks of the Internet, share how people connect and communicate with one another through the Internet).
Let your child know that it is alright to ask you questions or talk to you if he/she run into problems with someone online.
Download the C-Quest game app, which facilitates conversation between parents and children on cyber wellness, from the iTunes Store / Google Play.
Helping your child manage cyber bullying
Recognise the signs of cyber bullying and learn how to support your child through it.
Helping your child manage cyber bullying
What is Cyber Bullying?
Cyber bullying occurs when electronic gadgets, such as mobile phones and computers; social media; and Internet services are used as a means to intentionally hurt someone in a cyberspace.
With cyber bullying, negative content can be shared, saved, and spread online, and a victim can be bullied 24/7.
What Parents can do to prevent cyber bullying?
Be informed and aware of cyber trends and issues
Participate in the digital world with your child
Teach your child to be respectful online
Have your open discussions with your child
If my child cyber bullies...
Recognise the Problem
Acknoledge that your child may be a cyber bully. Do not dismiss the seriousness of the issue or attempt to justify his/her actions.
Stop his/her Actions
Ensure that your child does not continue with bullying activities. Be firm about stopping any offensive actions directed at other be it online or offline.
Imbue a Sense of Empathy
Nurture a sense of compassion in your child. Ensure that your child understands the consequences of his/her actions from the victim's point of view. Encourage your child to make amends with the victim. Equip your child to better manage his/her emotions and relationships.
If my child is cyber bullied...
Understand the Situation
Remain calm and listen closely to your child's concerns. Understand the context in which the bullying occured before making any conclusions.
Be Supportive
Ensure the well-being of your child by providing social and emotional support.
Take Actions
Talk to a teacher at your child's school and involve your child in resolving the issues. Save the evidence and ask the service provider to remove the online content. Equip your child to cope with future challenging online situations
Helping your child manage cyber contacts
Who are Cyber Contacts?
Cyber contacts are people whom we interact with online. It is difficult to know the real identity behing the computer screen as they can pretend to be someone they are not.
Some cyber contacts could be strangers and there could be potential danger if they are truthful.
What should your child do to avoid potential harm from Cyber Contacts?
Ignore messages or friend requests from strangers.
Be discerning and evaluate information provided by the cyber contact.
Avoid giving away personal information, sending personal photos, or acceding to any in appropriate requests.
Avoid meeting a cyber contact face-to-face without checking with a trusted adult.
What if your child is troubled by Cyber Contacts...
Stay calm and listen to your child to understand the situation.
Give your child the necessary social and emotional support.
Help your child to block the cyber contact.
Help your child to save a copy of the conversation through a screenshot, inform the site administrator or webmaster.
Helping your child manage excessive internet use
What is Excessive Internet Use?
Excessive Internet Use happens when an individual who uses the Internet to the extent where he/she experiences problematic outcomes that negatively affect his/her life.
What are the signs of Excessive Internet Use?
Needs to spend an increasing amount of time using the Internet before achieving satisfaction
Becomes irritable or violent when disrupted from the use of digital devices
Academic performance and health are affected
Tries to go online less often but is unsuccessful
Prefers digital device / Internet use to social events or offline activities that may lead to strained relationships with family and friends
Constantly listens out for the phone when away from it, feels distressed when it cannot be found
What can parents do to help their children manage their use of digital devices?
Talk about the consequences of Excessive Internet Use with your child
Set screen time limits, tech-free family times (e.g. meal times) and zones (e.g. bedrooms)
Organise tech-free family activities and promote tech-free hobbies
Promote and role model balanced Internet use