SINGAPORE, 24 NOVEMBER 2009 -- A programmed designed to teach the youth on the proper use of the Internet was recently launched by the government and private sector partners using peer influence as a strategy.
The Cyber Wellness Student Ambassador Programme was launched on Monday in Singapore to promote safe and responsible use of information-communication technologies (ICT) among students.
Relying on peer education to spread the concept of cyber wellness, the programme is part of the BackPack LIVE! Education Initiative spearheaded by the ministry of education, Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) and Microsoft Singapore.
“One of our overall objectives with BackPack LIVE! is to enable our students to be confident and discerning in using ICT to learn effectively anytime, anywhere. Having students get directly involved in the planning of cyber wellness programmes will heighten awareness of safety concerns and drive adoption of positive cyber habits within the student community,” said Masagos Zulkifli, senior parliamentary secretary, ministry of education and ministry of home affairs.
Focusing on students of Primary 4 and Secondary 2 levels, the programme kicked off this month involving 47 primary and 44 secondary schools.
Positive Internet use
Cyber Wellness Student Ambassadors attended a cyber wellness workshop on November 23 and 24 sponsored by Microsoft Singapore.
The workshop had been designed to promote positive Internet use, raise awareness of Internet safety issues, and equip students with preventive skills to cope with potential online dangers.
These workshops also included the training on empowering cyber wellness student ambassadors with the knowledge and skills to initiate, plan and implement possible cyber wellness activities in their respective schools. This is to be carried out under the guidance of cyber wellness teacher coordinators.
The programme will thus provide an extended platform to schools for complementation and support of their current cyber wellness education efforts.
Using positive peer influence and peer education, the programme will present a platform for the delivery of cyber wellness messages from the viewpoint of the youth.
Windows Live Messenger Buddy
After the launch, Microsoft Singapore would be working closely with the student ambassadors on the creation of a skit called ‘Buddy Goes to School’, which will be introduced to the schools as part of the programme.
Reflecting real-life situations, the skit emphasises the significance of using related tools and the potential dangers online.
The Windows Live Messenger Buddy, who is one of the stars of the skit, will play the role of an advisor who educates students on how to navigate the Web safely, and give the students an opportunity to use online tools such as Windows Live Essentials to engage and collaborate with their peers.
“Through the Windows Live Messenger Buddy, Microsoft provides the platform for the Cyber Wellness Student Ambassadors to educate their school peers on avoiding the pitfalls of surfing the Internet in a fun and engaging manner, which is more likely to resonate with them than hearing from an adult,” Microsoft Singapore managing director Jessica Tan said.
