The internet has become an integral part of our lives. The ability to interact and communicate with others is one of the biggest attractions of the internet for children and youths. Interacting with people in chat rooms and instant messaging, playing games and entering contests are all popular online activities. However, participating in such activities can put them at risk of encountering online predators.
You can play a part in the cyberwellness education of your child by being aware of the risks related to online communication and involved in your child’s internet activities. More importantly, guide and empower your child to act responsibly and wisely when using the internet.
To support your effort, the following guidebooks are available for your use:
1. Guidebook for Students
This guidebook, produced by MOE, provides stories which are developed around the two principles: Respect for Self and Others as well as Safe and Responsible Use. The stories depict real life situations such as gaming addiction, intellectual property rights and cyberbullying, encountered by the different characters. There are questions at the end of each story to help readers reflect on lessons learnt.
The pupils are then required to reflect one story that they have read in their English journal.
2. Guidebook for Parents
The Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) is providing a guidebook for parents which will be given out together with the student’s guidebook. The guidebook will provide parents with useful information on the online activities of children and youths and the risks that are involved.
You can use the guidebooks as resources to enhance the cyberwellness education of your child. We hope you will find the guidebooks useful and we wish you a fruitful learning journey with your child.
