SINGAPORE: Two separate incidents highlight the ongoing struggles with online safety and public health regulations among the youth in Singapore.
Online Safety Concerns Grow
In an alarming incident, a 13-year-old boy, Shrihaan Thakar, came across a disturbing livestream where a content creator was abusing a cat. His immediate reaction was to report the video, a reminder of the dangers lurking in corners of social media. Shrihaan’s concerns echo those of many young Singaporeans as more than four in five residents acknowledged encountering harmful online content last year, according to a survey from the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI).
Global Efforts for Safer Platforms
Countries such as Australia and Malaysia are tightening regulations, including age restrictions for social media users under 16, with the aim of protecting minors from online harms. However, experts caution that outright bans may drive teens to less regulated platforms. Dr Jean Liu from the Singapore Institute of Technology mentioned that while bans could signify a societal commitment to youth welfare, they may have unintended consequences.
The Challenge of Enforcement
Experts believe that simply banning social media access may not protect young users effectively. Without a framework to support them, youths might resort to using a VPN or asking adults to create accounts for them. Dr Sandor Heng pointed out the psychological effects of social media, including the risk of addiction and social comparison. Meanwhile, a recent survey indicated that only 37% of Singaporean parents feel confident guiding their child’s digital habits, further complicating the issue.
Draconian Measures for Vaping Behaviour
In a separate crackdown on vaping, a 25-year-old man, Krish Khalifa, was fined S$12,000 for sharing videos of himself using e-vaporisers on various social media platforms. This prosecution marks a notable enforcement action against the promotion of vaping, deemed harmful, especially to youths. The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has been vigilant in monitoring e-vaping advertisements, intending to curb the normalisation of vaping culture among young people.
Moving Forward
As authorities continue to grapple with online safety and public health challenges, community discussions around a balanced approach—one that involves both restrictions and educational initiatives—are becoming increasingly important. Strengthening digital literacy among parents and establishing safe online spaces for youths could be part of the solution.