Parenting In the Digital Age

Children are introduced to digital devices at a young age in Singapore. Although the use of digital devices facilitates educational growth and connectivity, it also poses challenges for parents to balance digital learning and online safety. This blog explores Singapore's digital education landscape and the challenges of parenting in the digital age.

The Growing Reliance on Mobile Devices and Personal Learning Devices (PLDs)

A few years back, the use of mobile devices and personal learning devices (PLDs) were only seen during higher studies. However, it is now a fundamental part of education even at the primary school level. This shift reflects Singapore's commitment to preparing its youth for a digitally-driven future.

Singapore's Ministry of Education (MOE) launched the Personal Learning Device Programme (PDLP) in 2020, which required every secondary school student to own a school-prescribed PLD by 2021 end. Today, Singapore teenagers (between 13-19 years age) spend an average of 8.5 hours a day on screens.

While mobile devices and PLDs are meant to enhance digital learning, parents are concerned about prolonged screen exposure and its impact on physical health and focus.

Tip: Parents should set ground rules on mobile and PLD usage and encourage a healthy balance between screen time and offline activities.

WhatsApp as an Essential Tool for Student-Teacher Communication

WhatsApp is Singapore's favorite social media app, with 74.7% of Singaporeans using it to communicate. Following the trend, WhatsApp has become an essential tool for student-teacher communication.

Teachers use group chats to share homework reminders, project updates, and announcements. Similarly, students interact with each other through WhatsApp and engage in both educational and non-educational discussions.

Although using WhatsApp in studies is unavoidable and useful, it also comes with challenges. Frequent WhatsApp notifications and messaging can disrupt study routines. A student can easily get distracted by other activities on their phone while intending to send just one reply on WhatsApp.

Tip: Parents should set clear boundaries by designating specific times for checking WhatsApp messages. They must also turn off non-essential notifications during study hours and encourage the use of "Do Not Disturb" mode to minimize distractions.

YouTube and the Student Learning Space (SLS) for Education

YouTube videos have become an essential learning resource in Singapore's educational system. Teachers assign videos from educational channels to students to enhance digital learning.

Besides YouTube, MOE's Student Learning Space (SLS) is another cornerstone of Singapore's digital education ecosystem. It enables self-directed and collaborative learning through curriculum-aligned resources for children in Singapore from primary to pre-university levels.

Despite restricted mode, students can get exposure to inappropriate content on YouTube or other platforms. The built-in filters may not always filter the online world content correctly.

Tip: Parents should regularly review watch histories and keep a close eye on the type of content their children are accessing online.

The Dangers of Unrestricted Internet Access

Singapore's 2022 Cyber Landscape Report revealed that 21% of youth experienced cyberbullying. Unrestricted internet access poses lurking dangers for our kids from online risks. They can easily get exposed to inappropriate online world content through social media apps and other websites. Besides that, excessive use of social media platforms can lead to poor self-esteem and anxiety. According to the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), more than three hours per day use of social media increases the risk of mental health problems.

In addition, Children are vulnerable to phishing scams disguised as gaming rewards or social media giveaways. A survey highlighted that 3 in 10 parents in Singapore feel their children are not well-informed about online safety issues. Considering the growing cyber threats, kids are at a higher risk of falling victim to online scams, identity theft, and other cyberattacks.

Tip: Parents should regularly discuss online safety with their children and teach them to recognize phishing scams and inappropriate content. They should also use parental control tools to monitor and restrict access to potentially harmful websites or apps and safeguard children in the digital era.

Challenges Parents Face in Setting Digital Boundaries

Parents don't have an easy way to limit screen time when devices are essential for schoolwork. Imagine your child has homework that requires access to PLD or online resources. In such situations, it is difficult to enforce strict screen time limits, as it will disrupt their academic progress.

In addition, children today also resist restrictions. They compare themselves with other kids and cause conflicts when asked to limit their digital use.

Tip: Parents should avoid instantly enforcing strict digital boundaries in today's digital landscape. They should involve children in screen time rules to give them a sense of ownership and cooperation.

Wrapping Up - Seeking Guidance with CARE IT for Online Safety Solutions

Parenting in the digital age is challenging due to the deeper involvement of digital tools and platforms in children's daily lives. However, by seeking guidance from resources like CARE IT, parents can access expert advice, tools, and strategies to ensure children's online safety. As one of Singapore's leading IT services firms, we at CARE IT can help you confidently navigate the complexities of the digital world and create a balanced environment for your children to learn and grow.