Protecting Kids Online: Addressing and Preventing Cyberbullying in Singapore (2025 Guide)

Protecting Kids Online: Addressing and Preventing Cyberbullying in Singapore (2025 Guide)

1. Introduction: The Urgent Need for Digital Safety

With over 92% of Singapore's population online, children face significant digital risks, including cyberbullying and scams. Ensuring their safety is vital

The Online Safety Poll in April 2024 by Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) covering 2,098 Singaporeans aged 15 and above showed 45% of the respondents encountered cyberbullying as well as sexual content. (malaymail, July 2024)

Cyberbullying, unlike traditional bullying, uses digital platforms to harass, threaten, or humiliate.

What is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying uses digital devices (cell phones, computers, tablets) to bully others via SMS, apps, social media, forums, or gaming platforms, where content can be viewed or shared. It involves sending or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content with intent to harass, threaten, or humiliate. Some instances cross into unlawful or criminal behaviour.

This 2025 guide equips parents and educators with data, legal frameworks, risk indicators, mental-health pathways, and practical tools tailored to Singapore's evolving digital landscape, helping to safeguard our youth from both cyberbullying and its often-accompanying scam tactics.

2. The Current State of Cyberbullying in Singapore

Understanding cyberbullying’s scale requires examining its prevalence and patterns among Singaporean youth.

2.1 Prevalence and Patterns

From the May 2023 online survey conducted by Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) covering 2,106 Singapore youths aged 15+, and parents with children aged below 18 years old, it found that: 

• two thirds encountered harmful online content,
• half of the parents reported that their children encountered harmful online content,
• among those who encountered harmful online content, only half took action to block the content, or 
  report to the platform. (MDDI, October 2023)

Another poll in April 2024 by Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) involving 2,098 participants aged 15+ found that 

• 66% of respondents encountered harmful content on social media services designated by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) under the Code of Practice for Online Safety,
• 61% who encountered such content ignored it,
• 35% blocked the offending account or user, and 
• 27% reported to the platform.

Among other matters, the poll also found that cyberbullying and sexual content remained the most prevalent; each category was encountered by 45 per cent of the respondents.
(MDDI, July 2024) Also see The Straits Times, July 2024 and malaymail, July 2024

2.2 Demographic Insights

A study by the Institute of Mental Health reveals that specific demographics were more vulnerable to mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and stress: 

• those aged 15 to 24 
• females, 
• single, and 
• with lower levels of education. 
  (The Online Citizen, September 2024).

3. How Cyberbullying Has Evolved (2025 Threat Landscape)

Cyberbullying now involves advanced approaches beyond simple text abuse. As technologies like AI become widespread, the digital frontier becomes riskier.

3.1 AI Enabled Deepfakes and Impersonation

In their advisory on Detecting and Responding to Deepfake Scams of March 2024, CSA warned of rising AI-generated deepfakes being used to manipulate identities and degrade their reputations — a form of psychological abuse.

Cyber bullying and psychological manipulation like spreading rumours, online harassment and the use of deepfakes are more common than expected, said Dr Annabelle Chow, a clinical psychologist, because they can be done anonymously and easily. (The Straits Times, October 2024)

3.2 Toxicity in Gaming Communities

Although allowing for social interaction, online gaming environments have turned into toxic environments. About one in five gamers between 13 and 18 years old feels he or she has been bullied in video games by other players, according to the first youth online gaming survey by the authorities. (The Straits Times, February 2024)

3.3 Coercion, Blackmail & Digital Extortion

Almost three in five people who go online have encountered cyberbullying and sexual harassment, or know someone who has, according to a recent survey by SG Her Empowerment (SHE). Some 14 per cent said they had personally experienced sexual harassment online, while 12 per cent said they had faced cyberbullying or harassment. (The Straits Times, September 2023; she, September 2023)

Financial coercion, has also increased, mostly through messaging apps like Telegram, where bullies may threaten to reveal private information or start rumours unless the victim makes certain purchases or pays money. This can easily turn into a scam where kids are duped into sending money or disclosing personal information. 

Protection order applications made to the Protection from Harassment Court (PHC) has increased. In 2024 alone, there were 760 cyberbullying and 719 doxxing complaints (The Straits Times, March 2025).

4. Warning Signs: Digital & Behavioural Red Flags

Although cyberbullied children often exhibit both digital and behavioural changes, early detection can significantly lessen trauma.

“. . . victims tend to seem normal on the outside even though they might be experiencing great trauma on the inside,” said Dr Wong Hwei Ming, educational psychologist and school counsellor. (Schoolbag, December 2018)

Also see article on “Cyberbullying” on Singapore Counselling Centre website (scc.sg). 

 

Protect your child with tools like ScamShield & Scam.SG

5. Legal Frameworks & Institutional Support

Singapore offers robust structures to tackle cyberbullying through both legal and supportive channels.

5.1 Protection from Harassment Act (POHA)

⚖️ Expedited Orders: These allow all victims of harassment to apply to the State Courts for swift intervention, such as ordering the removal of offending content or prohibiting further communication.

5.2 Children and Young Persons Act (CYPA)

Youth offenders under 16 may be mandated into counselling over criminal charges, focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

5.3 New Government Support Agency (2026 Onwards)

⚖️ Online Safety Commission: A new one-stop centre will begin operations in the first half of 2026 to help victims get recourse faster, particularly for harms related to cyber bullying, deepfakes and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. (MDDI, October 2024; The Straits Times, March 2025)

5.4 Other legislative initiatives to protect our people from online harms.

According to the Press Release by MDDI, of July 2024:

• In February 2023, amendments to the Broadcasting Act to swiftly disable access to egregious content on the designated social media services.
• In July 2023, the Code of Practice for Online Safety requires designated social media services to have systems and processes to minimise children’s exposure to inappropriate content and provide tools for children and their parents to manage their safety.
• New Code of Practice for App Distribution Services (or app stores) will require designated app stores to implement age assurance measures to minimise Singapore users’ exposure to harmful content and protect children from inappropriate content. 

6. Building Digital Resilience

Beyond reactive measures, fostering digital resilience is key to helping children cope with and rebound from online harm.

6.1 Programmes & Resources

Resource	Accessibility	Highlights
Mindline SG (MOH/NCSS)	Free 24/7 chat	Anonymous emotional support
TOUCH Cyber Wellness	Government-subsidised	Counselling for victims & perpetrators Read their article on “Decoding Cyberbullying”
Singapore Children’s Society – Tinkle Friend	Helpline 6–12 year olds	Trusted 24/7 network (1800‑2744‑788)
ScamShield App	Free mobile app	Blocks scam calls and SMS links
Scam.SG & TrustScore	Online portal	Link verification, scam education
School Peer Support	In-school free service	Mentorship by trained students
NCPC – Cybercrime	Government guide	Advice on staying safe online
Health Hub – Mental Wellness	Free guidelines	Identifying distress signs in children
CHAT or IMH	Subsidised mental health service	Real-time assessment and therapy for youth

6.2 Parental Controls as a Layer of Guard

Google Family Link, Apple Screen Time, Xbox Family Settings, and PlayStation Parental Controls allow monitoring and moderation of digital content, usage, and spending.

6.3 Cultivating Trust & Communication

Explain how to recognise misinformation and verify links using TrustScore from Scam.SG 

Engage children with open-ended questions such as:

• “What’s the most fun/challenging thing about [game/platform]?”
• “Have you ever felt uncomfortable online?”
• “What would you do if a friend was being bullied online?”

6.4 Using Scam.SG and TrustScore As A Proactive Defence

Scam.SG is a platform that offers business scam analysis and aggregate business authenticity to help consumers and/or business associates reduce the risk of falling into a scam. Our analysis (TrustScore) uses our own proprietary algorithms to review, verify and authenticate various businesses and enterprises in Singapore.

🔐 “Digital Defence Strategy for Singaporean Families”

🛡️ Digital Defence: Keep Your Kids Safe in 2025

📘 Educate    👁️‍🗨️ Monitor    🧠 Support
Start digital talks by age 6    Watch for emotional changes    Encourage help-seeking
Teach link verification using TrustScore from Scam.SG
Set screen time limits    Contact schools if needed
Discuss fake accounts, scams & extortion    Use parental controls & ScamShield
Use CHAT, IMH or SOS hotlines

📘 Educate	👁️‍🗨️ Monitor	🧠 Support
Start digital talks by age 6	Watch for emotional changes	Encourage help-seeking
Teach link verification using TrustScore from Scam.SG	Set screen time limits	Contact schools if needed
Discuss fake accounts, scams & extortion	Use parental controls & ScamShield	Use CHAT, IMH or SOS hotlines

7. A 5 Step Response Plan for Parents When Cyberbullying Happens

Step 1: Stay Calm & Provide Support

Avoid blame — a supportive presence helps children feel safe to open up.

Step 2: Block Perpetrators Immediately

Encourage your child to disengage and block bullies across all platforms.

Step 3: Document Everything

Thorough documentation, such as screenshots, timestamps, and profiles, is crucial for platform reports, school interventions, or legal action.

Step 4: Report to Platforms

Use reporting tools on platforms like Facebook, TikTok, WhatsApp, Xbox. Include clear evidence and reports early.

Step 5: Escalate to School, Authorities, or POHA

• Inform school counsellors or principals — MOE policies mandate disciplinary follow-up.
• File a police e-report for severe threats, doxxing, or sexual exploitation. 
• Seek POHA protection via State Courts or Community Justice Centre clinics.

8. Healing After a Crisis: Mental Health & Recovery

8.1 Immediate Support

• Helplines such as SOS (1767), Tinkle Friend (1800 2744 788).
• In-school counsellors provide ongoing emotional care.

8.2 Professional Support

• CHAT (for youths aged 16–30) and IMH offer outpatient and psychiatric services.
• TOUCH Community Services and private counselling for both victims and perpetrators.
• Samaritans of Singapore (SOS): (24-hour Hotline: 1767) For immediate crisis support, particularly if your child expresses any thoughts of self-harm, hopelessness, or severe distress.
• Singapore Counselling Centre: For professional therapy and counselling services tailored for children, adolescents, and families grappling with the trauma of cyberbullying.

8.3 Community & Peer Reintegration

• Enable participation in CCAs, sports, arts.
• Encourage peer-support groups, gardening teams, or service-learning activities.

8.4 Family-Wide Care & Patience

Recovery is a gradual process. Promote open communication, praise resilience, support psychotherapy where needed, and ensure sustained attention to emotional health.

9. Enhancing Long-Term Digital Wellness

9.1 Digital Literacy & Critical Thinking

Teach kids to critically assess links via TrustScore, question suspicious content. Discuss what constitutes an inappropriate message and when to take action or to use tools.

9.2 Ownership & Empowerment

Enable children to take responsibility: “If someone sends you a nasty message, screenshot and come tell me, okay?”
Active engagement, not mere control, builds resilience.

9.3 Stay Informed on Legal and Platform Developments

Keep abreast of new cyber-harms agency and possible new laws. Online resources and relevant activities for digital safety are available at https://www.digitalforlife.gov.sg.

10. Conclusion: A 3 Point Defence Plan for 2025

In Singapore, bullying and cyberbullying is a problem that is changing in tandem with technology. Vigilance, proactive engagement, and prompt actions are highly recommended as we navigate 2025 and beyond.

This guide gives you the information, skills, and insights needed to protect our children.

1. Educate & Prepare

   Start early and regularly discuss digital life: privacy, resilience, ethics. 
   Use parental controls as enablers, not hindrances.

2. Watch & React

   Be alert to digital and emotional red flags. 
   When concerns arise, block, document, and escalate in a structured way.

3. Support & Empower

   Use Singapore’s ecosystem such as school, police, legal safeguards, mental-health support and community initiatives
   Teach children to use tools like ScamShield, and TrustScore while maintaining ongoing dialogue and trust.

By combining data, legal tools, emotional resilience strategies, and open dialogue, we can build a safer, smarter digital generation in Singapore.