Understanding Cyber Wellness
03 Dec 2015
Parents can set a good example at home in the use of technology and play an active role in guiding their child to navigate in cyberspace.
To complement the cyber-wellness curriculum in schools, Here are the steps forPARENTing 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 can lead a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Activate parental controls in all computing devices
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 your child’s Internet use
Some basic rules could include the following :
Dos:
- seek permission before using computing devices
- have a time limit for the use of electronic 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 (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
Navigate the Internet with your child to understand his/her use
- 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 feels uncomfortable.
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.
Sense-Think-Act @ School
The Cyber Wellness Student Ambassador Programme (CWSAP) was introduced in 2009 to promote safe and responsible use of ICT among our students. It aims to develop a group of student leaders in schools that complements each school’s existing efforts in cyber wellness through the use of positive peer influence. Since 2010, the Cyber Wellness Student Ambassador Recognition (STAR) Awards recognise students’ efforts in cyber wellness promotion in their school.
You can also play an active role in promoting cyber wellness efforts in schools. Be part of the group of parent volunteers in your child’s school, and you can help play the role of a parent ambassador advocating cyber wellness messages and programmes to educate the future generation. Work with student ambassadors as they would have a good knowledge and understanding of the school’s context and will be able to share their personal experiences from the students’ perspective.