Cyberwellness

What is Cyber Wellness?

Cyber Wellness (CW) refers to the positive well-being of internet users. It involves an understanding of online behaviors and awareness of how to protect oneself in cyberspace. The focus of CW is on helping students to become responsible digital learners. It is important for students to be equipped with the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to demonstrate respect for self and others, and to practice safe and responsible use. Students should also be a positive peer influence and harness the power of technology for the good of the community. CW education thus aims to equip students with an understanding of online behaviour and enable them to be responsible for their own well-being in cyberspace.

3 principles of Cyber Wellness

These 3 main principles will enable a child to develop the instincts for making careful and well-considered decisions. It will serve as a solid anchor for your child’s decision-making well-being:

• Respect for self and others.
• Safe and responsible use.
• Positive peer influence.

Through the CW lessons, your child will be taught to:

• Sense – Identify possible online risks and protect themselves.
• Think – Analyse, evaluate and reflect on a situation based on the CW principles.
• Act – Take actions to keep safe and be a positive influence online.

CW Education

CW education is usually conducted during curriculum time and through programmes in schools such as workshops, talks and activities. CW topics are also included in subjects such as English and Mother Tongue Languages.

What to expect

The following time is dedicated to CW education:

• Primary schools: 14 lessons during the Form Teacher Guidance Period.
• Secondary 1 to 4: 16 x 1-hour lessons as part of the Guidance Area modules in Character and Citizenship Education (CCE).
• Secondary 5: 2 x 1-hour lessons as part of the Guidance Area modules in CCE.
• Junior colleges and Millennia Institute: 2 lessons within the CCE curriculum.

CW curriculum: at a glance

Support at home

To help your child stay safe and have positive experiences online, you can:

• Organise more outdoor activities together.
• Activate parental controls on your home devices.
• Model good digital habits for your child.
• Set ground rules for internet use.
• Navigate the internet together to understand their usage.