More activities to promote responsible Internet use

SINGAPORE: The Media Literacy Council will roll out activities to promote media literacy and responsible online behaviour.

It will work with uniformed groups and educational institutions, as well as other partner organisations.

Experts say with more children and young people accessing the Internet, it is important to educate them on responsible Internet use.

Desmond Koh, executive director of the Boys’ Brigade Singapore said: "I think it’s very important right now, this is the best time — in fact, better time than no other to teach young people and our boys how to be discerning, to make sure that whatever they read on the internet, to check it, make sure they understand to be true, or purely an opinion."

"People are unaware of the potential reach of social media. And we want them to be aware that what they post certainly is something that can have a much wider reach than they themselves envisage," said Professor Tan Cheng Han, chairman of the Media Literacy Council.

A recent informal poll among some 300 young people showed about 16 per cent of them will share information online — as long as it is funny or sensational.

About 62 per cent of respondents will share it only if it is wholesome and does not hurt anybody.

The respondents are between 17 and 25 years old.

The Media Literacy Council shared the findings of its poll as Singapore marked its first Safer Internet Day.

The global initiative started 10 years ago.

It was started by Insafe Network, a European network of Awareness Centre promoting the safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile phones, especially among children and young people across the world.

The theme this year — "Online Rights and Responsibilities — Connect with Respect".

— CNA/xq