Protecting Our Kids Online in Singapore: Keeping Kids Safe in Online Virtual Environments

Protecting Our Kids Online in Singapore: Keeping Kids Safe in Online Virtual Environments

Parenting in Singapore's Digital Age: A New Playbook for 2025

In Singapore's hyper-connected society, the internet is an integral part of our children's lives – a crucial environment for learning, socialising, and recreation.

 According to a report by CNA on February 4, 2025, Singapore teenagers spend nearly 8.5 hours a day on screens, navigating platforms from Roblox and TikTok to virtual classrooms.

 How do we nurture digitally savvy citizens who can thrive in this future, while safeguarding them from sophisticated cyber threats?

 It's a challenging balance.

 According to the Singapore Police Force (SPF) Annual Scams and Cybercrime Brief 2024, Singaporeans lost at least S$1.1 billion to scams in 2024 across 51,501 cases, a 70.6% increase from the previous year.

 What's truly alarming is that our children are increasingly targeted!

 A MDDI survey found 74% of internet users encounter harmful content like cyber bullying, with a notable increase on social media in content that incited racial or religious tension, and in violent content, going up by 13 percentage points and 19 percentage points, respectively, compared with 2023.

 The survey of 2,098 Singaporeans aged 15 and above found that 66 per cent of respondents had come across harmful content on designated social media services, including Facebook and HardwareZone, up from 57 per cent in 2023. (Source: The Straits Times, July 2024)

 Scammers leverage AI deepfakes and sophisticated gaming platform fraud, exploiting the unique vulnerabilities of young digital natives. Knowing where our kids spend time, scammers are constantly evolving their tactics.

 “The use of generative AI has brought a new dimension to cyber threats,” said Mr David Koh, commissioner of cybersecurity and chief executive of CSA.

 Malicious actors are likely to benefit as AI continues to improve and be adopted, said the Cyber Security Agency. (Source: CNA, July 2024)

 This guide aims to empower parents, educators, and caregivers with data, proven tools, and actionable strategies. We want to cultivate digitally resilient children and provide parents with the confidence that they are doing everything possible to ensure their children's online safety.

The Evolving Threat Landscape: What Singapore Parents Need to Know in 2025

The digital world is dynamic, and its threats adapt rapidly. Scammers relentlessly refine their tactics, increasingly focusing on younger demographics through platforms our children frequent.

Statistics from 2024

Based on the SPF Annual Scams and Cybercrime Brief 2024:

• Total Losses: At least S$1.1 billion lost across 51,501 cases. (CNA February 2025)
• Investment Scams: Highest losses, at least S$320.7 million. (CNA February 2025)
• Government Official Impersonation Scams: At least S$151.3 million lost. (CNA February 2025)
• E-commerce Scams: Most reported, with 11,665 cases and at least S$17.5 million lost. (CNA February 2025)

 IMDA's Online Safety Assessment Report 2024 revealed that a concerning 74% of children encountered violent or sexual content in 2024, a rise from 65% in 2023. (Source: The Straits Times, July 2024)

 This highlights the broad scope of digital dangers, including misleading promotions and AI-assisted impersonations.

Emerging Threats Targeting Children:

AI-Powered Impersonation Scams (Deepfakes): Scammers use AI to create convincing video or audio mimicking family, friends, or influencers. They exploit trust networks, making these attacks potent. Always be wary of urgent requests for money or unusual payment methods. Look for subtle voice or facial glitches and always verify with the person via a trusted channel if something feels off.

Gaming Platform Exploitation: Platforms like Roblox, Minecraft, and Fortnite are targets for scammers promising in-game currency or items, or offering malware-infected mods. This preys on children's desire for in-game advantages.

Social Media Manipulation: Criminals exploit children's desire for social validation through fake giveaways, celebrity endorsement scams, or "exclusive" content offers that demand personal information or payment.

Cyberbullying and Grooming: This is a grave threat. The IMDA report noted children's accounts accessing age-inappropriate content. Predators often pose as peers, "love-bombing" children with attention before attempting to isolate them and exploit their trust. 

Watch for these crucial red flags:

Behaviour	Normal Privacy	Potential Grooming
App/screen closure when approached	Occasionally	Frequently, with visible anxiety
Mood changes after device use	Mild, age-appropriate fluctuations	Severe, unexplained shifts
Gifts or money from online contacts	Never acceptable	Any occurrence requires immediate investigation
New "friends" mentioned	Known peers from school/activities	Older individuals or unknown adults, often kept secret
Insists on secrecy	Occasional private chats	Insists on secrecy regarding online interactions, especially about them

Singapore's Regulatory Response: New Protections for 2025

Singapore is proactively enhancing its online safety framework:

• Online Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act (OSA): Effective February 2023, empowers IMDA to direct online communication services against egregious content.
• Code of Practice for Online Safety – Social Media Services (COP SMS): Effective July 2023, mandates social media platforms to minimise exposure to harmful content and provide safety tools for children and parents.
• Code of Practice for Online Safety for App Distribution Services (COP ADSs): Issued January 2025, effective March 2025. Requires designated app distribution services to implement age assurance measures to prevent children from accessing age-inappropriate apps.
• Online Criminal Harms Act (OCHA): Passed July 2023, addressing criminal online activities. Under OCHA, SPF introduced COPs for Online Communication Services and E-Commerce Services Online, effective June 2024.
• Online Safety Commission (OSC): Set to launch in the first half of 2026, this "one-stop shop" will provide timely help for victims of online harms, including content takedowns. (MDDI, October 2024, CNA, March 2025, The Straits Times, March 2025)
• Digital for Life (DfL) Movement & SG Cyber Safe Students Programme: Ongoing initiatives by IMDA and MOE to enhance digital literacy and promote safe online habits.

Essential Protection Tools Every Singapore Parent Should Use

These practical tools serve as your personal digital defence squad:

1. ScamShield: A free mobile app by GovTech and SPF, offering comprehensive scam protection.
• Features: Real-time scam call/SMS blocking, AI-powered detection, direct reporting, community-driven threat intelligence.
• Latest Metrics (Q1 2025): Over 900,000 downloads since launch; over 120,000 scam entities blocked since 2022. Q1 2025 saw 453,000 community checks/reports and 14,404 new scam numbers blocked. (Source: tech.gov.sg).
• Setup: Download, enable call/message filtering, configure family protection, teach children to use "Check for Scams" feature.
2. SATIS (Scam Anti-Spoofing Technology and Intelligence System): An AI-based platform by GovTech and SPF that scans over 100,000 websites daily, blocking phishing and scam sites. Opt into SATIS warnings via your telco for added protection.
3. TrustScore and Scam.SG: Always verify legitimacy before children engage with new platforms, games, or services. Visit Scam.SG, search for the platform, review TrustScore ratings, and cross-reference with IMDA's Online Safety Assessment Report.
4. Device Hygiene & Network Filtering:
• Antivirus & App Sources: Use CSA-recommended antivirus and download apps ONLY from official stores (Apple App Store, Google Play).
• Telco Blockers: Utilise international SMS/call blockers from your telco to shield against overseas scam threats.
• Built-in Controls: Implement and regularly review privacy controls on OS (iOS, Android) and platforms (YouTube Kids, Roblox), enabling chat filters and disabling in-game purchases.

Age-Appropriate Digital Parenting Strategies

Digital parenting evolves with your child, balancing protection with growing independence:

• Early Years (Ages 6–9): Foundation Building
• Supervised Exploration: Use curated, educational platforms. Enable maximum parental controls. Establish device-free zones. Teach simple "stranger danger" rules for online interactions.
• Essential Settings: Utilise YouTube Kids (restricted mode), iOS/Android parental controls, disable social media/chat functions, enforce strict screen time limits.
• Middle Childhood (Ages 10–12): Guided Independence
• Expanded Boundaries: Introduce limited social interactions on monitored platforms. Conduct weekly digital check-ins and conversations to teach basic scam recognition and privacy concepts.
• Key Conversations: Discuss what information never to share online, what to do if an unknown person contacts them, and how to identify "too good to be true" offers. Encourage open communication.
• Teenagers (Ages 13+): Collaborative Safety
• Building Digital Citizenship: Engage in open discussions about online experiences. Collaboratively review privacy settings. Teach advanced scam detection. Establish clear emergency protocols.
• Teach the "STOP-THINK-VERIFY" Rule:
• STOP: Pause before clicking, sharing, or responding to anything suspicious.
• THINK: Does this seem realistic? Is the source credible?
• VERIFY: Check with a trusted adult or official source.

What to Do If Your Child Gets Scammed: A Parent's Action Plan

Even with precautions, incidents can occur.

Have a clear, actionable plan:

🛑 STOP all engagement: Immediately cease interaction with the scammer. Disconnect from affected platforms.

🔐 SECURE accounts: Change all relevant passwords immediately. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). Run malware scans.

📞 NOTIFY banks/platforms: Contact banks if money was sent. Notify the platform (gaming company, social media, app store).

📝 DOCUMENT evidence: Take screenshots of communications, transactions, suspicious URLs, usernames. This evidence is crucial.

🚨 REPORT to Authorities: Use ScamShield app (scamshield.gov.sg) or call the Helpline at 1799. File an e-report via the SPF website (police.gov.sg). Report swiftly.

🤝 PROVIDE emotional support: Reassure your child they are not at fault. Shame and fear are common. Offer counsellors or Victim Support Services if needed. Your unwavering support is vital.

Building a Safe Digital Ecosystem at Home

Protecting children online is an ongoing commitment involving clear boundaries, consistent tool usage, and continuous dialogue.

• Boundaries: Setting the Rules
• Screen-Time Limits: Establish clear recreational vs. study time limits.
• Tech-Free Zones: Enforce tech-free bedrooms (especially at night) and dining areas.
• Supervised Spaces: Designate public areas (living room/study) for online activities for younger children.
• Tools: Your Digital Arsenal
• Install and regularly review ScamShield.
• Use TrustScore at Scam.SG to vet new apps/platforms.
• Apply appropriate platform filters and privacy settings, reviewing them periodically.
• Ongoing Discussion: The Most Powerful Tool
• Ask open-ended questions: Encourage conversation, not one-word answers.
• Encourage critical thinking: Help them develop a sceptical mindset.
• Lead by example: Practice healthy screen habits and respectful online behaviour yourself.

 Quick Wins: What Parents Can Do Today

• Download & activate ScamShield & SATIS protection. A 10-minute task for significant protection.
• Use TrustScore to vet platforms/sellers before any new app installations.
• Schedule a weekly "digital check-in" with your child. 15 minutes of open conversation builds trust.
• Join parent networks (SPF alerts, school/community groups) to stay informed.

Why It Matters: Empowering Singapore's Next Digital Generation

Digital engagement is undeniable. Our role is to cultivate digital citizenship – fostering a generation that embraces technology wisely, critically, and safely. While public awareness of scams has increased, the rising losses highlight the urgent need for comprehensive digital literacy education, beginning at home.

 By leveraging Singapore's robust regulatory framework, utilising official and commercial protection tools like ScamShield and Scam.SG, and maintaining open dialogue with our children, we can collectively create a safer digital environment, where young Singaporeans can then explore, learn, and grow online with confidence and resilience.

 Your most powerful parenting tool is the trusted, unbreakable relationship you build with your child, nurtured one conversation at a time.

 Resources & Official Links

• IMDA Online Safety Assessment (2024 Report): https://www.imda.gov.sg/resources/press-releases-factsheets-and-speeches/press-releases/2025/online-safety-assessment-report
• ScamShield app & helpline (1799): https://www.scamshield.gov.sg
• GovTech & CSA guides (ScamShield/CyberSafe): https://www.tech.gov.sg/products-and-services/for-citizens/scam-prevention/scamshield and https://www.csa.gov.sg
• Digital for Life Movement: https://www.digitalforlife.gov.sg/learn/resources/all-resources
• Scam.SG TrustScore: https://scam.sg

Final Thoughts

Protecting children online means staying informed, staying engaged, and crucially, staying current with emerging technologies. Start with the powerful tools available, but more importantly, plant the seed of good digital habits through consistent conversation and leading by example.

In Singapore's vibrant Smart Nation, let's teach our kids not just to be safe, but to be savvy, confident digital explorers. It's an ongoing journey, but one well worth taking, hand in digital hand.

🎯 Call to Action

• Download and Activate ScamShield & turn on SATIS protection on all family devices today.
• Schedule a weekly "digital check-in" with your child.
• Vet every new app/platform using TrustScore before your child installs it.

 What digital safety steps will you take with your child today?