Addressing Social Media Harms and Strengthening Student Cyber Resilience

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Education in light of forthcoming restrictions on the use of smartphones by secondary school students during school hours (a) whether the Ministry has plans to study the negative harms posed by the prevalent use of social media applications by young teenagers; and (b) how does the Ministry intend to further enhance cyber resilience among students.

Mr Desmond Lee: The potential harms of social media on youth have been studied by many researchers. For example, researchers have identified that excessive use and unhealthy or developmentally inappropriate content on social media can affect one's mental well-being.

Through Cyber Wellness lessons in primary and secondary schools, students are taught to maintain a healthy balance of online and offline activities, including managing the use of social media. Students also learn skills to recognise risks in the digital space, identify and discern negative influences, and to be a positive peer influence. In addition, the Positive Use Guide on Technology and Social Media, which was recently released by the Government, provides youths with practical tips on building healthy and balanced relationships with technology, and relevant portions have been incorporated in Cyber Wellness lessons.

Beyond the classroom, parents play a key role in guiding and monitoring their child's online activities. Schools will continue to work with parents by sharing resources, expert insights and strategies through relevant platforms, including Parents Gateway, to help parents guide their child in the use of technology and devices.