Four Tips to Help Your Child Make Smart Online Content Choices

Start by having a conversation to establish what content is appropriate and what isn't. Refer to IMDA media classification database and Common Sense Media for ratings and reviews of a wide range of media, including movies, TV shows, apps and video games to determine suitable content, based on your family’s values. Discuss acceptable websites, games, and social media platforms with your child.

Ensure your child understands what defines inappropriate content. Some examples are hate speech, sexually explicit content, violence, content promoting unsafe behaviour (like self-harm or eating disorders), or content promoting vandalism, crime, racism and terrorism.

You might ask:

• "What do you think the rating on this movie or game tells us about its content? Why do you think those ratings are important?"
• “How do you feel when you see violence in a movie or game? Do you think it affects how you see the world?”
• “What messages do you think movies or shows send about relationships? Are there any that you think are positive or negative?”

Teach your child to think critically about the content they consume by walking through these four S.U.R.E. steps by the National Library Board:

Source: Check the origin of the information to determine if the content comes from a credible author.

Understand: Watch out for suspicious signs, including poorly written content or mismatched visuals. Guide your child to differentiate between a fact (true information) vs an opinion (feelings or judgements).

Research: Always verify information by checking multiple sources. Encourage your child to dig deeper for credible and reliable mentions.

Evaluate: Assess the information by asking the 5W1H - who is involved? What is the issue at hand? Where did it happen? When did it take place? Why did it happen? How did it happen?

You might ask:

• “What do you think makes a source credible? Can you name one?”
• “When you come across something online, how do you decide if it’s true or not?”
• “Can you spot content generated by GenAI?” Learn about the risks and misinformation by Gen AI here.

Encourage your child to seek content that presents different perspectives (e.g. hearing from people with different backgrounds or opinions, or comparing the same news from different sources) to help them learn, think critically, and respect others. Teach them to avoid echo chambers or filter bubbles:

Echo Chambers: These occur when individuals are exposed primarily to information and opinions that reinforce their existing beliefs. This can lead to a skewed understanding of reality.

Filter Bubbles: Algorithms in social media platforms and search engines may curate similar content based on a user’s previous interactions. As a result, your child may not see content that challenges their views or introduces them to new ideas.

You might ask:

• “Have you ever talked with someone who sees things differently? What did you learn?”
• “Why do you think it’s important to hear from people who think differently from you?”
• “How can understanding different perspectives help us solve problems or resolve conflicts?”

If your child is unsure, use examples they relate to — like characters in shows or games with different views, or a real-life story of how another perspective changed your thinking. Instead of pushing for answers, ask gentle questions like, ‘Why do you think they changed their mind?’ to spark reflection.

Create a safe space where your child feels comfortable discussing their online experiences. Encourage them to share what they’re watching, reading, or engaging online regularly. This open dialogue helps you to guide them in real-time and address any concerns or misconceptions.

You might ask:

• “What’s something interesting you watched or read online recently? What did you think about it?”
• “What are your favourite things to do online right now?
• “Is there anything you’ve seen online that made you feel uncomfortable, upset or unsafe? Let’s talk about it.