Strategies to Combat Cyberbullying Among Youths

Dr Wan Rizal asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information (a) what specific measures are being taken to address cyberbullying among youths, given its strong association with mental health symptoms; and (b) how will the Ministry work with digital platforms to provide a safer online environment for youths.

My response will also address a similar Parliamentary Question for Written Answer raised by Mr Yip Hon Weng for this Sitting.

The Singapore Government takes a serious view on online harms, including cyberbullying. We have introduced a range of measures and are continuing efforts to strengthen online safety.

Under the Broadcasting Act, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has designated six Social Media Services (SMSs) with significant reach or impact in Singapore. They are Facebook, HardwareZone, Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube. These SMSs must comply with the Code of Practice for Online Safety (Online Safety Code), which took effect on 18 July 2023. They must have additional measures to enhance the online safety of children, which include: (a) ensuring that children are not targeted to receive content that SMSs are reasonably aware to be detrimental to their physical or mental well-being, such as cyberbullying content; (b) having in place more restrictive account settings for children; and (c) providing tools for children or their parents to manage their safety.

IMDA closely monitors the designated SMSs’ compliance throughout the year and will engage them if it detects systemic lapses that impact online safety for Singapore end-users. Designated SMSs are required to submit annual reports about measures, systems and processes that they have put in place to combat harmful content. IMDA is currently reviewing the first set of reports and will publish the outcome of its review in due course.

These SMSs also have their own community guidelines against harmful content and provide tools for users to report such content. Singaporeans who encounter cyberbullying on SMSs should report these incidents. Under the Online Safety Code, designated SMSs must assess these reports and take appropriate actions in a timely and diligent manner. If the report is not frivolous or vexatious, these SMSs must inform the user who submitted the report of their decision and actions taken.

Where criminal offences are disclosed, acts of cyberbullying may be also investigated by the Police. These include offences under the Protection from Harassment Act and the Penal Code, such as distribution of voyeuristic images or recordings.

Under the Protection from Harassment Act, victims of cyberbullying can apply for a Protection Order to direct an individual or an entity to take down published images that cause harassment, alarm or distress. Offenders who breach the Protection Order would be liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding $5,000, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to both.

The Government plans to introduce new legislation and measures to provide stronger support and assurance to victims of online harms, such as cyberbullying. This will include the setting up of a dedicated agency to help secure timely relief from perpetrators as well as the social media platforms. More details will be shared when ready.