Educating Parents on "Set, Think, Report, and Engage & Support" Framework in Context of Blind Box or Gacha Mechanisms Available Online

In today's digital age, parents often worry about the impact of screen use and what their children might encounter online. To address this, the Government has identified four key actions that families should adopt to foster healthy digital habits and keep their children safe and supported online: (i) set boundaries online; (ii) think before you act; (iii) report inappropriate content; and (iv) engage and support your child in their online journey. These actions are designed as broad-based principles that are easily applicable to various online situations and issues, including in-game purchases and online spending, and help establish the foundation for children to develop healthy digital habits and become discerning and responsible digital users.

To support parents, the Infocomm Media Development Authority has launched a comprehensive set of resources on the Digital for Life (DfL) portal to translate these actions into practical steps. The resources, developed in consultation with parents, youths and key partners, like the Media Literacy Council, are tailored according to the various stages in the parenting journey, based on their child's developmental age range and their experiences with key digital milestones, such as their first screen and first device. In collaboration with community partners, the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) has also launched a series of digital parenting workshops to proactively reach parents in their local communities.

MDDI, the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Ministry of Social and Family Development have also jointly developed the Positive Use Guide on Technology and Social Media, with practical tips for parents on setting limits on gaming time and handle stopping points for games with flexibility. Relevant content of the Guide will be reinforced through MOE's Cyber Wellness lessons and shared with parents and families.

Specific to loot boxes, with reference to the Member's query on blind boxes or gacha, the National Council on Problem Gambling also conducts outreach to parents and youths to raise awareness of the gambling inducement risks on youths who may be incentivised to try their luck by buying more loot boxes and are unaware that this constitutes gambling behaviour. This includes social media posts, talks and workshops targeted at parents and youths.

The Ministry, together with other relevant agencies, will continue to monitor these concerns and strengthen support initiatives where needed, through collaboration with parents, community partners and schools.