How to Use This Deck of Slides

Things to take note.

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How to use this deck of slides

• The main deck will take about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. Each additional supplementary thematic content will take an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
• Schools can use the slides in this deck during Parent Engagement Sessions to brief parents about the Cyber Wellness efforts in schools and how parents can support their child’s digital well-being in the home.
• Cohort-specific slides are colour-coded as follows:

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• Schools can customise the deck based on cohort and content.
• E.g. Slides for P3-6 can be hidden/removed if school is briefing P1-2 parents.
• E.g. School has identified gaming as a key concern for the students, hence the section on gaming is included for the briefing.
• Seek input from staff on customised information about your school's context or programmes that you would like to gain buy-in from the parents on. 
• Slides customised with school-based information should be cleared by School Leaders before they are used for Parent Briefings. 

For schools’ information only. Please remove this slide when presenting to parents.

• Please read through the items related to Item 3: Supporting Cyber Wellness in Schools shared at the 4th DOS’ meeting, held on 8 Oct 2024.

Sharing the slides on public-facing platforms​

• After the engagement session, schools can upload the customised slides on public-facing platforms (e.g. school website, PG).​
• Before sharing the slides, it is good practice for schools to remove all speaker notes and convert the slides to PDF so that parents/guardians will not be able to edit the contents/messages.

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Guide on a Safe Digital Learning Environment for Students

For schools’ information only. Please remove this slide when presenting to parents.

Supporting Cyber Wellness in Schools (slides extracted from presentation at 4^th DOS’ meeting)

How to use this deck of slides

Cyber Wellness

It’s more than saying no to devices.

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School:�Date:

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Why Should We Be Concerned about Cyber Wellness?

The data may surprise you.

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Schools can opt to use their internal data from CW surveys (available on Opal 2.0).

We need to help our children achieve balanced and purposeful screen use.

Our children are going online from a younger age.

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67% of children aged 7 to 9, and 85% for those aged 10 to 12 in Singapore use smartphones every day, and are active on social media.

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However, research has shown that both

screen time and type of screen use

(educational vs recreational) can impact

our children’s well-being.

Did you know?

What does this mean?

Source: Milieu Insights, reported by the Straits Times (Feb 2021)

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Schools can opt to use their internal data from CW surveys (available on Opal 2.0).

Current Reality

Children are

going online from a younger age

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Current Reality

Two-thirds of these children use a smartphone and/or a tablet/iPad daily.

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Source: Milieu Insights, reported by the Straits Times (Feb 2021)

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Are you concerned about what your child sees and interact with online?

What are some of these concerns?

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<<Schools could consider this as a mentimeter activity>>

Schools can opt to use their internal data from CW surveys (available on Opal 2.0).

Quick Buzz

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A survey of 600 parents in Singapore revealed the types and frequency of harmful content our children are exposed to, including cyberbullying, sexual grooming, and sexual harassment.

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However, not all parents are aware of the online risks.

Did you know?

We need to be involved in our children’s digital lives, and put in parental controls to keep them safe and role-model for responsible use.

What does this mean?

Schools can opt to use their internal data from CW surveys (available on Opal 2.0).

Resources on parental controls are available at the end of the presentation.

#2

Source: Milieu Insights, reported by the Straits Times (Feb 2021)

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Source: MDDI Survey (Feb 2024)

Schools can opt to use their internal data from CW surveys (available on Opal 2.0).

Source: MLC-TOUCH Parent Child Poll Findings (30 Nov 2023)

Current Reality

Types and frequency of harmful content our children are exposed to

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Most social media platforms and popular games have App Store age-ratings:

• 12+ : WhatsApp, Instagram, Roblox
• 17+ : Telegram and Discord

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But the majority of our children have access to social media before the recommended ages.

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Research shows that screen use (smartphone and social media access) in young children is associated with: insufficient good quality sleep, sedentary behaviours, obesity, and mental health and well-being .

We need to ensure our children’s use of devices and platforms are age-appropriate, and have open conversations with them about their digital habits.

Schools can opt to use their internal data from CW surveys (available on Opal 2.0).

Did you know?

What does this mean?

Resources from Grow Well SG are available at the end of the presentation.

#3

Schools can opt to use their internal data from CW surveys (available on Opal 2.0).

Current Reality

Source: Milieu Insights, reported by the Straits Times (Feb 2021)

Cyber Wellness is the ability of our children and youth to navigate the cyberspace safely.

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This is done through our Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) curriculum which aims to:

• equip students with the knowledge and skills to harness the power of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for positive purposes;
• maintain a positive presence in cyberspace; and
• be safe and responsible users of ICT.

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Through the curriculum, your child learns knowledge and skills to�have balanced screen use, be safe online, and exhibit positive online behaviours.

What is Cyber Wellness?

What Will Your Child Learn in School?

Find out what your child will learn about Cyber Wellness during CCE (FTGP)* lessons and other programmes.

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*Character and Citizenship Education (Form Teacher Guidance Period)

Basic online safety rules

• Talking to only people you know

Cyber Contacts

• Understand that the profiles of strangers that we see online may not be their real identities
• Recognise the dangers of chatting with strangers online

Importance of a balanced lifestyle

• Especially in exercise, sleep and screen time for health and well-being

Protecting personal information

• Understand the risks of disclosing personal information

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Primary

1 and 2

During CCE(FTGP) lessons, students will be taught:

Explore Cyber Wellness messages with your child through the CCE (FTGP) Journal by participating in “Family Time” activities in the journal.

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Balanced use of digital devices

• Time management and spending time on screen-free activities

Netiquette

• Show respect to others online
• Be considerate when posting opinions online
• Reflect on how our interactions can affect others online

Stand up against cyber bullying

• What to do when encountering cyber bullying
• How to speak up and stand up against cyber bullying

How to stay safe online

• Steps to take to determine if an online friend is trustworthy

Primary

3 and 4

Discuss your child’s healthy screen time pledge at home and cultivate accountability.

During CCE(FTGP) lessons, students will be taught:

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Be a positive peer influence online and manage digital footprints

• Speak up and stand for what is right regardless of peer pressure
• Seeking help from trusted adults/sources when needed
• Awareness of permanence of online data and review privacy settings�

Importance of cybersecurity

• Protect oneself from phishing, spam, scams and hacking

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How to verify online falsehoods

• Use S.U.R.E.* to verify information online

Primary

5 and 6

During CCE(FTGP) lessons, students will be taught:

Staying Safe from Pornography

• Understand the impact of pornography on themselves and others
• Reject pornographic content using the ‘Stop-Think-Do’ strategy.
• Know that keeping, selling, sharing or forwarding pornographic materials is an offence

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S.U.R.E. stands for Source, Understand, Research, Evaluate.

It is part of National Library Board’s Information Literacy Programme.

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• In this slide, we encourage schools to share about their Cyber Wellness programmes/initiatives (e.g. Safer Internet Day in Feb) in school to offer a holistic picture to parents on school’s efforts.

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• Schools may also wish to include some school photos showing students involved in their programmes/initiatives, or student reflections to show takeaways that parents can reinforce at home.  

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• Consider creating a thought-provoking effect or heartwarming impact on parents.

School Programmes and Initiatives

Schools can customise the content on this slide. Please remove this textbox when presenting slides to parents.

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• In this slide, we encourage schools to share about their rules and guidelines on digital device use (smartphones, smartwatches), and how parents can work with schools on this.
• E.g. Child to child
• E.g. Parent-Teacher
• Schools can refer to the Guide on a Safe Digital Learning Environment for Students for guidance.

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School Rules on Digital Device Use

Schools can customise the content on this slide. Please remove this textbox when presenting slides to parents.

Guide on a Safe Digital Learning Environment for Students

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• In this slide, we encourage schools to share about their rules and guidelines on communication and what parents can do to role model this for their children/ partner schools on this.
• E.g. Child to child
• E.g. Parent-Teacher
• Schools can refer to the Guide on a Safe Digital Learning Environment for Students for guidance.

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School Rules on Communication

Schools can customise the content on this slide. Please remove this textbox when presenting slides to parents.

Guide on a Safe Digital Learning Environment for Students

How Can We Partner Up?

Together, we can raise happy, kind and confident children,

ready to thrive in the digital world.

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3 areas we can work together on to �foster School-Home Partnership

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3 Real Connections

1 Respectful Communication

2 Role Models

Our children do best when schools and parents work hand in hand to support them.

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Listen, understand, and foster kind words

and actions between you and your child.

Have regular and genuine conversations with your child

• to better understand what they do online,
• how to stay safe,
• how to use technology in a responsible manner.

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Communicate your actions and rationale.

• Let your child know you care for them and want them to be safe online.

Discuss with your child as you set parental controls to manage device use and stay safe online.

Resources on having open conversations about digital habits are available at the�end of the presentation.

#4

Respectful Communication

Role Models

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Role model healthy use of devices and social media, and good online behaviour for your child/ward.

• E.g. parents/guardians not using devices during mealtimes, respectful online communication

You play a key role helping your child establish healthy digital habits and learn to use technology in a positive

and meaningful way.

Role modelling respectful conversations.

• You are in the best position to role model these skills through daily interactions with your child.
• Listen to understand first, instead of jumping straight into giving advice and solutions.

Resources on role modelling respectful communication �are available at the�end of the presentation.

#5

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Real Connections

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Cultivate strong relationships and healthy habits in this digital age.

Provide a safe space for conversations

• Children may hesitate to share their true thoughts and feelings with their parents, as they fear being judged or misunderstood.
• Let your child know that it is normal to feel or think the way they do. Help them feel safe expressing themselves with you.

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Provide a balanced mix of engaging online and offline activities

• Discuss and develop a timetable with your child to moderate their time spent on screens.
• Children aged 7 – 12 should have consistent screen time limits (less than 2 hours daily, excluding school work).

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Supplementary Thematic�Content

What are we most concerned about?

How to use the supplementary thematic content

For schools’ information only. Please remove this slide when presenting to parents.

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Unlocking their First�Smartphone or Watch

How can we prepare ourselves and our children?

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Consider these questions:

At what age should I give my child their first smartphone or watch?

[Source: Adapted from Parenting for Wellness Website – Module 3A (i)]

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Based on MOH's Guidance on Screen use in Children, parents should not give children mobile devices with unrestricted access to internet and applications. Parents can delay the provision of smartphone and smartwatches to their children.

If you answer ‘no’ to any of these questions, it is wise to wait until your child is older – ideally when your child is in secondary school. Children who are already facing challenges (such as low self-esteem, poor self-control, bullying, or high stress) are more vulnerable to problematic screen use.

If you determine that you and your child are ready…

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How do I prepare my child for their first smartphone or watch?

[Source: Adapted from Parenting for Wellness Website – Module 3A (i)]

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here are some alternatives:

• Basic phones/Smartwatches offering calling and texting functions without internet access or apps (please check school’s policies on usage in schools)
• Set a date/age to review your child’s readiness for a smartphone/watch.

If you think you and your child might not be ready yet,

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How do I monitor my child’s online activities and keep them safe?

When you decide that your child is ready to own a phone, it’s important to provide structure and support and not simply hand over the device.

Experts recommend that parents:

• build on having a warm relationship with their child,
• set and communicate limits regarding phone use,
• pair rules with active supervision, and
• have regular conversations about your child’s phone use.

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In addition to these strategies, take time to set up parental controls on your child’s device. Most phones allow you to:

It’s important that you actively monitor and discuss these controls — especially at the beginning.

[Source: Adapted from Positive Use Guide]

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How do I prepare my child for their first smartphone or watch?

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Playing Online Games

Navigating the world of digital entertainment, together.

How can my child access online games?

• Online games are everywhere, and complex games can be played on-the-go via smartphones.

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If my child enjoys online gaming, why not?

• While gaming is fun and can bring about positive outcomes (e.g., feeling good about their abilities and effort), excessive gaming can lead to negative impacts, such as excessive in-app purchases, attracting unwanted attention, increasing anxiety and the risk of cyber bullying.

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Does the game have age restrictions?

• To check if a game is age-appropriate, video game ratings can be found on the IMDA website.
• Age ratings on games can be found on Google and Apple app stores. For example, Roblox, a popular mobile game, is age-rated 12+.

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What do I need�to know about online games?

What can I do if I am concerned about the gaming habits of my child?

Discuss your concerns with your child through open conversations

• Discuss your concerns with your child and develop a realistic timetable to balance their gaming with other screen-free activities.
• Review the plan regularly with your child.

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Resources on conversation tips on gaming are available at the end of the presentation.

#11

Seek professional help

• If there is marked deterioration and significant impairment to the child’s life, consider seeking professional help.
• The professionals can assess the severity of the problem and recommend appropriate interventions.
• You can approach the School Counsellor for support in this area.
• You may call National Addiction Management Service All Addictions helpline at 6-RECOVER (67326837).

What can I do if I am concerned about the gaming habits of my child?

Seek help from school and community

• If there is no improvement and their gaming behaviour continues to be a cause of concern, you may want to seek help from the school or other community partners such as Help123 at 1800 6123 123.

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Accessing their First

Social Media Account

Our children live in a digitally-connected world.�When should we say “yes” to social media?

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Laws and Regulations

• Most social media platforms (including WhatsApp) require users to be aged 12 years and above (except Telegram and Discord, which requires users to be 17+).

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Mental Health Concerns

• 27% of youth reported spending more than three hours on social media platforms daily, and were 1.5 times more likely to show symptoms of depression and anxiety. (Institute of Mental Health, 2024)

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Maturity of the child

• Constant exposure to social media content can make us feel anxious or overwhelmed. It is important for social media users to be mature enough to navigate such feelings when using these platforms.
• Maturity can be assessed by observing your child’s ability to
• make responsible decisions to keep themselves safe online.
• manage the pressures and feelings that come with social media use.
• Have open conversations with them on the risks of social media, and why they cannot access social media as they are not of age.

At what age should I allow my child to have their own social media account?

Resources on social media readiness are available at the end of�the presentation.

#12

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After following age guidelines and having conversations with your child,�if both of you feel that your child is ready for a social media account…

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Co-create and establish clear ground rules on keeping themselves safe when using it

• Discuss with them their responsibilities and your expectations of their social media use.

What are some considerations when I allow my child to have their own social media account?

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Cyberbullying

Building Resilience and Character�while creating safe spaces for our children

A 2025 Digital Parenting Survey (MDDI) found that more than 50% of parents are concerned about cyberbullying.

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MOE supports parents with resources related to children's mental well-being, cyber wellness, and strengthening parent-child relationships.

Through CCE lessons, students understand that bullying and cyberbullying is wrong, and acquire skills to:

• cultivate empathy and be kind
• manage differences and resolve disagreements respectfully
• be assertive, manage negative influences and seek help
• stand up against bullying and support peers affected as upstanders and peer supporters,

This says nothing about who you are.

Did you know?

Source: Channel News Asia (12 Sep 2025)

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In Singapore, local studies show that verbal/social bullying forms the bulk of the types of bullying experienced in schools and they often start as ‘harmless teasing’ or leaving someone out but escalate into bullying.

Hence, we need to take a serious view of all forms of hurtful behaviours and bullying, starting from once-off insensitive remarks before they become normalised or escalated.

What are hurtful behaviours and bullying?

Some common forms of cyber bullying include flaming, harassment, cyber stalking, denigration, impersonation, exclusion, trickery and doxxing.

Physical

Hitting someone or damaging someone’s belongings, tends to occur alongside other forms of hurtful behaviours

It can extend from offline to online platforms, amplifying its visibility

Verbal

Name-calling, spreading rumours or making threats

Social

Leaving someone out of a group or things on purpose

Cyber

Hurtful behaviours/ bullying that occurs when online technology (e.g. mobile phones, computers or social media) is used as a means to hurt or upset someone on purpose and repeatedly (through sharing and/or resurfacing a post)

Multiple forms of bullying could be experienced by the same student at the same time or sequentially.

Forms of hurtful behaviours/ bullying

Bystanders: Their role dynamics

• Assistant - helps the bully
• Reinforcer - observes and encourages the bullying
• Upstander - stands up against the hurtful behaviour, comforts the victim or gets help
• Outsider - avoids acting or taking sides

Do you know the different roles* in bullying?

*The terms used here are meant to provide a simplistic description and are not meant to label students.

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How can I guide my child to be kind and respectful online?

Before you post anything online, ask yourself: would you say this in front of me or your teacher?

Ask your child if what they are about to post or share online is… Truthful, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind (T.H.I.N.K.)?

If the answer to any of the above questions is “No”, they should not post or share the content online, even if it is intended for their private social media account or private group chat.

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By guiding your child to make it a habit to T.H.I.N.K. before posting or sharing anything online, your child learns to be kind and avoids hurting others with their online behaviour.

Bully/Perpetrator

• Tends to be impulsive and aggressive
• Tends to have poor relationships or lack empathy with others
• May blame victims for their behaviour by saying things like, ‘if he/she were XX, I would not have XX’
• May appear anxious while using digital devices
• Tends to hide or turn off the monitor/devices when someone approaches

Victim/Targeted

• Becomes less sociable than usual around family and friends
• May struggle with studies or lose interest in school
• Becomes upset or anxious, especially when receiving messages or using devices
• Spends less time on the activities they used to enjoy
• May experience poor health as struggling with the bully saps the energy and ability to focus

Bystander

• May fear being targeted by the bully or straining relationships
• Tends to feel anxious and powerless about being unable to stop bullying
• May feel unsafe in class/school
• May experience guilt of not defending the victim

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What are some signs of bullying?

Have a conversation using C.H.E.E.R as a guide to understand what they are experiencing.

How can I help if my child is a victim?

* I-messages are used to communicate one’s feelings and needs to others clearly and respectfully. For example, “I felt upset when you posted that photo of me making a funny face that made me look silly. I would need you to remove that photo, please.”

Remain calm to assess the situation and provide emotional support to your child.

How can I help if my child is a victim?

If you suspect that your child is cyberbullying others, remain calm. You can:

• Ask questions to understand what happened.
• Let them know that bullying is unacceptable. Encourage them to apologise sincerely and make amends to repair relationships.
• Monitor their online activities e.g. their social media posts
• Reach out for extra support from school.

That action was hurtful, but you’re capable of being kind.

Parents, your child’s behaviour change takes time and requires consistent effort. You can build their character by setting clear expectations about treating others respectfully and role-modelling positive behaviours in your interactions.

How can I help if my child is the bully?

If your child is involved in a cyberbullying incident as a bystander, help them feel safe and supported.

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Remind your child not to like, share, record or repost the online message or media.

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Guide your child to take on upstanding behaviours by:

• asking your child whether they want you to listen, to help with more ideas about what to do / how to support the victim or to help them to report the incident.
• letting your child know that it is okay if they don’t feel safe or confident to stand up to bullying.

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Telling an adult is helping,

not tattling.

If you come to know that the hurtful behaviour continues, please approach the school and continue to support your child.

How can I help to guide my child to be an upstander?

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Exposure to Pornography

Keeping our children safe from inappropriate online content

Source: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/37-cent-parents-feel-confident-child-digital-habits-mddi-survey-5343691

MDDI Digital Parenting Survey 2025

Did you know?

According to survey findings released by the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) in September 2025, about 81% of 1,986 parents surveyed said they were worried about their children being exposed to inappropriate content online, which includes pornography.

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SHECARES, a support center run by SHE in collaboration with the Singapore Council of Women's Organisations, has handled over 440 cases of online harms since its launch in 2023, including deepfake and AI-generated pornography.

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How can pornography impact children and youths?

Viewing pornography can distort �a young person’s views on sexuality.

Developing an unhealthy perception of relationships

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A young person may be misled into thinking that pornographic material is real, which affects one’s ability to form healthy and respectful relationships.

Developing insecurities about one’s body image

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Pornographic content depicts unrealistic sexual encounters and body shapes.

Developing addictive behaviours, including viewing pornography

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A young person’s brain is still developing and may lack self-control. Prolonged viewing of pornography may impact daily habits and routines for healthy well-being.

Misleads perceptions and attitudes towards men and women

The inaccurate portrayals of gender roles may result in unhealthy mindsets which reinforce gender stereotypes.

Repeated exposure to highly sexualised content (e.g. online games, anime, pornography) can reduce a young person’s sensitivity to such material, and may normalise inappropriate behaviours.

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What is my child learning in school?

During CCE(FTGP) lessons, students will be taught:

Staying Safe from Pornography

• Understand the impact of pornography on themselves and others
• Reject pornographic content using the ‘Stop-Think-Do’ strategy
• Know that keeping, selling, sharing or forwarding pornographic materials is an offence

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Reinforce the 'Stop-Think-Do’ strategy with your child, and have open conversations about the harmful effects of pornography.

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How can I respond if my child is exposed to pornography?

1. Encourage healthy and responsible use of digital devices
1. Place devices in open areas where screens are visible to others.
2. Enable parental controls and content filters on internet browsers to minimise exposure to inappropriate content.

2. Stay calm when talking to your child, do not shame or blame
1. This helps your child feel secure and encourages open sharing.

3. Listen with sensitivity and address the cause of curiosity together with age-appropriate information
1. Curiosity is normal and developmentally sound.
2. Share your family’s values, emphasise healthy respect for self and others.

4. Share with your child the harms of pornography and how to stay safe online
1. Explain how pornography can result in unhealthy views on sexuality and relationships and increase the likelihood of risky behaviours.
2. Talk about the importance of never sharing private photos with others, not even friends; and explain how images can be altered and used as deepfakes to cause harm.

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How do I approach the topic of pornography with my child?

“Have you ever seen anything online that looks pornographic?”

If your child may not know what pornographic means, you could use alternative terms such as “indecent” or just “naked people on screen”.

Suggestions for Conversation Starters

“Has anyone at school ever mentioned seeing something like this?”

It can be easier for your child to talk about someone else rather than about themselves.

Remind your child never to share private or sexually explicit photos of themselves. Assure them that they can reject and say “no” to such requests, and to inform you so that you may support and guide your child.

Be aware that with the emergence of AI technology, photo images may be easily used to generate deepfake sexual abuse material, including deepfake pornography.

Resources on social media readiness are available at the end of�the presentation.

#12

Engagement Activity Suggestions

Schools can consider using these 1-min activities to encourage audience participation and engagement.

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• Think about a screen-free activity which your family can engage in this weekend. You may refer to some age-appropriate examples below. ��

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������

• Send a message in your family chat-group to make it happen!

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Activity: 1 min

Let’s plan for a ‘Weekend Special’!

• How much do we know about our children’s favourite digital games?

���������

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• What is one positive attribute our children can learn or develop from their favourite games? How can this help you have better conversations with them about their online time?

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Build and explore virtual worlds, while learning coding and sparking creativity and teamwork.

Build a peaceful village, make friends with animal characters, and explore creativity at one’s own pace.

Catch Pokémon, while exploring locations outdoors.

Activity: 1 min

Decoding our children’s digital world

Additional Resources

Bite-sized practical tips and strategies to help you parent effectively in the digital age.

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Additional Resources:

Positive Use Guide on Technology and Social Media

The Positive Use Guide on Technology and Social Media draws on research to support families as they navigate the digital landscape together. It offers strategies for balanced screen time, how to build healthier digital habits and provides tools like self-check worksheets and curated resources. Scan the QR code on the left to access the guide on the Digital for Life website.

Scan here to access the PfW Toolbox for Parents:

For more bite-sized, practical tips and strategies on building strong parent-child relationships, supporting your child’s mental well-being and parenting in the digital age, scan the QR code above to download a copy of the Parenting for Wellness Toolbox for Parents. �

You can also access the Parenting for Wellness website on Parent Hub (hosted by HPB) for personalised access to the full content!

Scan here to access the Positive Use Guide:

Parenting for Wellness

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Compilation of Useful Resources

You can access all digital parenting resources shared throughout this slide deck by scanning this QR code or click here! Send this link via PG to your parents too for their easy access.

These resources focus on:

• Managing Device Use
• Respectful Communication
• Role-modelling healthy habits
• Fostering Real Connections
• Unlocking their First Smartphone or Smartwatch
• Playing Online Games
• Accessing their First Social Media Accounts
• Cyberbullying
• Parenting for Wellness
• Positive Use Guide
• Grow Well SG

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Compilation of Useful Resources

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Compilation of Useful Resources

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Compilation of Useful Resources

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