FOSTERING A SECURE ECOSYSTEM IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
There is a need to focus on inclusive cybersecurity education that provides children with an awareness of identity protection, online privacy and overall good cyber hygiene measures. Promoting cybersecurity as a shared responsibility between families, educators, government, industry and the wider community is a must.
Because let’s face it, the complete elimination of digital devices is not feasible. Surveilling every single conversation children have online is also impractical.
Taking steps in the right direction, Singapore last year implemented measures to mitigate risks from harmful social media content, particularly for children.
The Code of Practice for Online Safety, which took effect on Jul 18 last year, requires designated social media services with significant reach or impact to put in place systems and processes to minimise exposure to harmful content for users in Singapore.
Communications and Information Minister Josephine Teo last month also announced that authorities will progressively release a series of guides to help parents manage their children’s screen use and foster healthy online habits.
Parents on their part can take a proactive approach to strengthen their children’s online safety through measures such as implementing multi-factor authentication, creating complex passwords, and regularly updating login credentials and software updates.
Vigilance is key, and parents should monitor their children’s activities for things such as increased device usage, behavioural changes, or a notable decrease in daily physical activity. Taking these preemptive measures is a crucial first step in prevention, mitigating potential online risks faced by children.
It is advisable too that parents and children make joint decisions regarding the use of applications and its content. Parents are further encouraged to stay informed of the latest trends in order to serve as digital role models, and regularly engage their children in discussions about cybersafety to build trust and openness in their relationship.
