Social Media Etiquette Course for Secondary School Students

Ms Tan Su Shan asked the Minister for Education whether the Ministry will consider introducing a compulsory course on social media etiquette and protocol as part of the educational curriculum for all students from Secondary school onwards.

Mr Heng Swee Keat: The skills required for social media etiquette and protocol are taught in the Cyber Wellness syllabus for Primary and Secondary schools. The syllabus is designed based on the principles of "Respect for Self and Others" and "Safe and Responsible Use" of technology. This syllabus is implemented as part of the Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) curriculum in 2014. It focuses on equipping students with social-emotional competencies and sound values so that they can be safe, respectful and responsible users of ICT.

Students learn to develop a healthy self-identity both online and offline, build safe and meaningful relationships, and make discerning choices. For example, in the topic on "Online Identity and Expression", students learn about what is appropriate to share about oneself and the consequences of insensitive remarks. For the topic on "Online Relationships", students learn about relationship management skills and ways to interact with socio-cultural sensitivity online.

Students discuss authentic case scenarios on safe and responsible uses of the Internet. Teachers guide them through a reflection process so that students fully grasp the key points, change their attitudes and behaviours where needed.