Support Framework for Schools and Teachers on Addressing Student Exposure to Manosphere-related Online Content

Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Education what support and guidance are provided to schools and teachers to address the issues and potential harms arising from students' exposure to online content associated with the manosphere.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) takes a holistic, values-based approach to promote gender equality and respect for others in our curriculum through subjects, like character and citizenship education (CCE), social studies and history.

Across primary, secondary and pre-university levels, students learn about the importance of not stereotyping. They also develop critical thinking skills to evaluate online content and media messages.

Through classroom discussions, teachers guide students to reflect on how gender equality contributes to respectful personal relationships and societal well-being. Students learn to navigate different viewpoints based on mutual respect, understanding and empathy.

Students also learn discernment by developing critical thinking and digital literacy skills to recognise manipulation techniques and bias in online spaces. For instance, in CCE, students learn about the risks of social media and echo chambers and how they can be a positive influence both offline and online. They also learn to recognise and counter gender-based violence.

MOE provides teachers with training and resources to help them stay abreast of issues and developments, such as manosphere, and hone their ability to guide students.