CyberWellness Tips for Parents

Cyber Wellness Tips for Parents

To complement the cyber-wellness curriculum in schools, Here are the steps for PARENTing 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

• Check out the Guide for Parents on Setting Parental Controls and activate them 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.