REACH 585 - What are your thoughts on the age verification measures on mobile app stores for children in Singapore? What else can we do to protect children from consuming inappropriate and harmful content online?
(SK)
08 Jul 2024 (10am - 7pm)
REACH
8/7/24, 9:45 am - +REACH: *Dear Contributors,*
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Megan đ
8/7/24, 10:00 am - +REACH: đ˘ *Topic* đ˘
A new code, the Code for App Distribution Services, will be introduced to require mobile app stores to implement age assurance measures to protect children from downloading apps that are inappropriate for their age.
The Code for App Distribution Services, which will also mandate designated mobile app stores to remove harmful content in online games and marketplaces, follows recent amendments to the Broadcasting Act, which took effect in February 2023.
đŹ *What are your thoughts on the age verification measures on mobile app stores for children in Singapore? What else can we do to protect children from consuming inappropriate and harmful content online?*
“One pressing challenge that demands close attention is online safety,” said Minister for Communications and Information Josephine Teo on July 5. “Around the world, governments recognise the urgency of this issue, and they may resort to legislation. In Singapore, too, we have not shield away from changing our laws when there are good reasons to,” she said during the Digital for Life partners’ appreciation event held at the National Gallery Singapore.
đ *Limit Exposure to Harmful Content*
The proposed Code for App Distribution Services will complement the Code of Practice for Online Safety, which took effect in July 2023. The latter required social media firms with significant reach, such as Instagram and Facebook, to put in place systems to limit Singapore users’ exposure to online harms, including content promoting terrorism, cyber bullying, or those that may incite racial or religious tensions.
However, legislation isn't always the solution, said Mrs Teo. She noted that other countries, like South Korea, have introduced laws with varying effectiveness, such as the 2011 ban on children under 16 playing online video games between midnight and 6 am.
đ *Addressing Problem of Online Addiction*
Addressing problems such as social media addiction among children may require a more holistic solution, rather than relying on legislation, Minister Teo said.
“We must ask what other factors contribute, such as whether parents are equipped to provide guidance, or whether the children have adequate access to activities in the physical world that not only engage them but which also help them find joy and meaning.”
đđť https://str.sg/euSC
đđť https://www.digitalforlife.gov.sg/Learn/Resources/All-Resources/Code-of-Practice-for-Online-Safety
8/7/24, 10:00 am - ~ REACH Singapore changed this group's settings to allow all members to send messages to this group
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8/7/24, 10:01 am - +Rama: All for it!
8/7/24, 10:03 am - ~ REACH Singapore changed the group description
8/7/24, 10:07 am - +Frankie Wee: đ
8/7/24, 11:13 am - +REACH: *Dear Contributors*,
We want to *HEAR MORE* from you!
đŹ *What are your thoughts on the age verification measures on mobile app stores for children in Singapore? What else can we do to protect children from consuming inappropriate and harmful content online?*
We have had good feedback from this group, and we hope that we can keep the discussion robust and active!
Thank you.
Megan đ
8/7/24, 11:41 am - +Jimmy Chew: It's an excellent idea and solution, now we have to teach parents to be assertive and educate the maids to enforce, I find most parents don't want to be a bad person. I saw a maid reprimanding the child and told me the Parents don't want to scold him for beating her. I think we need parental training like marriage trianing, remebering the days we had courtesy campaign, no spitting, it seems to work for singaporeans
8/7/24, 12:59 pm - +Bhavani: Internet is also changing our children's character making them aggressive, very rude, shouting at parents, disrespecting and disobeying parents. As I have mentioned in previous Reach feedback, I have come across articles online that say the radiation from the Internet has the power to.change our brain's dna. I can see this happening with my teenage daughter. I would be grateful if Astar could create a 100 per cent anti blue light, anti radiation screen shield so that the radiation doesn't modify the brains of children, teenagers and even adults.
8/7/24, 1:00 pm - +Bhavani: My very sweet daughter is now turning into a bitter, angry and depressed young girl
8/7/24, 1:02 pm - +Bhavani: This shield could help protect the eyesight and brains of all
8/7/24, 1:03 pm - +Telephone number: Respectfully, the solution to this predicament is the same with adults which is to spend less time with devices and/or screen time.
8/7/24, 1:03 pm - +Telephone number: No matter how advanced a shield purportedly is, the key to proper usage is always moderation.
8/7/24, 1:04 pm - +m6dm6n: Based on my experience, it's rather the content the kids are consuming, more than radiation
8/7/24, 1:04 pm - +Telephone number: This is correct.
8/7/24, 1:05 pm - +m6dm6n: My kids happens to be more violent after watching content from Disney XD
8/7/24, 1:06 pm - +~l or Smiley face: _"*The Global Message:* The online environment presents both opportunities and challenges for children. As Singapore introduces the Code for App Distribution Services, a holistic approach to online child protection is crucial. Children are exposed to a vast array of online content, services, and interactions that shape their experiences, beliefs, and values. While the internet offers benefits like access to information, education, and social connections, it also poses significant risks, including cyberbullying, online grooming, and exposure to harmful or inappropriate content, which often go unchecked, unverified, and without self-regulation. With smartphones and mobile devices increasing children's online vulnerability, parents, caregivers, and stakeholders must prioritise their safety and wellbeing in the digital sphere. Let's begin this effort from *home and in school* and *each child is unique*!"-- anonymity_
8/7/24, 1:06 pm - +m6dm6n: After that observation, I sat down n watch the cartoon with them.
8/7/24, 1:06 pm - +m6dm6n: It's just mindless screaming shouting and hitting the vendor machines n two characters fighting
8/7/24, 1:06 pm - +m6dm6n: Kids just learn n mimic
8/7/24, 1:06 pm - +m6dm6n: After prolong exposure
8/7/24, 1:07 pm - +m6dm6n: I cut off Disney XD entirely from them
8/7/24, 1:07 pm - +m6dm6n: After 2 weeks, they are back to gentle kids
8/7/24, 1:07 pm - +m6dm6n: From then on, I always make effort to go thru the contents my kids are watching
8/7/24, 1:08 pm - +m6dm6n: And make sure I guide n filter the toxic contents
8/7/24, 1:09 pm - +m6dm6n: Parenting today is so much more demanding from last time.
8/7/24, 1:10 pm - +m6dm6n: U really need to spend lots of quantity time
8/7/24, 1:11 pm - +~l or Smiley face: *Roots of Problem*
The following statistics highlight the scope and complexity of the issue, and the need for comprehensive solutions to address the roots of the problem.
_- Cyberbullying:
- 64% of children aged 13-17 have experienced online harassment (Pew Research, 2022)
- 43% of children have experienced online threats or intimidation (UNICEF, 2022)
_- Online grooming:
- 1 in 10 children have been asked for personal information or photos by someone they don't know online (NCMEC, 2022)
- 55% of children have talked to someone online they don't know in person (Pew Research, 2022)
_- Inappropriate content access:
- 60% of children have been exposed to violent or harmful content online (UNICEF, 2022)
- 45% of children have seen sexual content online (Pew Research, 2022)
_- Privacy concerns:
- 60% of parents are concerned about their child's online privacy (Pew Research, 2022)
- 50% of children have shared personal information online (UNICEF, 2022)
_- Digital literacy:
- Only 25% of children can identify fake news online (Horton, 2020)
- 40% of children lack critical thinking skills to evaluate online content (Lee, 2020)
_- Mental health impacts:
- 70% of children have experienced online harassment, which can lead to depression and anxiety (Lee, 2020)
- 50% of children have experienced sleep disturbances due to online activities (UNICEF, 2022)
8/7/24, 1:14 pm - +~l or Smiley face: *SG Perspectives*
Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) reports that 93% of children aged 8-16 use the internet, with 70% having social media accounts (IMDA, 2022). Local experts highlight the need for:
The following statistics highlight the importance of addressing online child safety in Singapore and reinforce the need for a comprehensive approach to protect children from online threats.
- 1 in 5 children in Singapore have experienced cyberbullying (TODAY, 2022)
- 60% of children in Singapore have accessed inappropriate content online (Channel News Asia, 2020)
- 70% of parents in Singapore are concerned about their children's online safety (Kaspersky, 2021)
- 1 in 3 children in Singapore have shared personal information online (Norton, 2020)
- 54% of children in Singapore have talked to strangers online (Microsoft, 2021)
8/7/24, 1:15 pm - +m6dm6n: Age verification not enough. Need parents involment and content provider cooperation from both side to be effective. Unless you wanna go the hard way which is mandate by law like what China is doing. And alot of that got to do with parents dont take enough action fearing the spoiling relationship with kids or no clue how to control kids
8/7/24, 2:16 pm - +REACH: đ˘ *Topic* đ˘
8/7/24, 2:17 pm - ☸️ Danny ĺż:
1. Social media content indeed is very addictive - not only to adults but also children --- and will be influence and impacted by it.
2. Not only Instagram and Facebook, Youtube, Tik Tok - are very addictive - and harmful contents should be actively monitored and removed.
3. Mandating age verification to ensure kids will not download harmful apps is a good measure.
But wonder how will this be done to be foolproof?
4. Kids can fake their age when downloading the apps during age verification, not sure what mechanism in place for social media to verify their age.
Eg. Kids can say they are 21 years old, or born before 2003 - not sure how the apps verify the kids are not providing their correct birth year.
5. Unless the social media platforms pull information from MyInfo or SingPass to verify their age before apps downloading.
8/7/24, 2:25 pm - ☸️ Danny ĺż:
1. Other than harmful contents for kids, it should also apply to adults - because adults will also be impacted by harmful contents as much as kids.
2. Other than harmful video, image and text contents, social media platforms should also remove phishing URL links, malware or apps that are design to scam victims.
This will reduce people from being scam of their life savings.
8/7/24, 2:36 pm - ☸️ Danny ĺż:
1. Wonder how does social media platform scan the content in their platform?
2. Can't be employ a large army of humans to scan through the content and delete one by one.
3. Could be employing AI to filter harmful title, words, text, image, video - such as bullying, vulgarities, sexual abuse, cruelties, inappropriate words, gesture, actions, behavior etc - whereby Generative AI, LLM, NLP, Sentiment Analysis, Deep Learning, Emotion Recognition, Computer Vision, Multi-model Emotion Recognition etc are able to pick up all these undesirable elements in the social media platform.
This will be more cost effective and more efficient.
8/7/24, 2:43 pm - +Andrea: Two big harms online are social media and pornography. There is much research on how both alter the brain structure in a negative way, which is especially harmful for young children and teens whose brains are still developing and are therefore especially vulnerable. Society’s increased exposure to pornography has been shown to correspondingly increase rates of sexual crimes.
8/7/24, 2:43 pm - +Samuel Tan: as a young person in my 20s, I have seen many friends become addicted to social media and gaming. I find that many gaming companies and app developers prey on pliable minds, hijacking our need for affirmation to keep us addicted.
I volunteer with youths for many years. I used to be able to engage them with just one soccer ball. However, these days, my youths just stay on their phone, even when I try to engage them with nerf guns, laser tag or even esports. They just want to hide behind their screens and not interact with their peers.
May I also suggest to protect youths from porn. I regret that I was once addicted to porn from 12-14 years old. My perception of women was scarred. It took me many years to erase the sexualised images from my mind. I felt that my relationships were damaged because of porn. Please please also ban porn.
8/7/24, 2:44 pm - +Andrea: Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt who recently published the book “The Anxious Generation” on this very topic of mobile phone use by kids and teenagers, basically concludes that the problem stems from giving children the entire internet in their pocket: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2024/mar/21/the-anxious-generation-by-jonathan-haidt-a-pocket-full-of-poison
What would help, besides a complete crackdown / campaign (against porn especially), is a concerted effort to reduce children’s access and reliance on smartphones. This needs to come from the Government, because to leave it to parents is to leave them at the mercy of peer pressure. If all their kids’ friends have smart phones, how will they be able to resist giving them the same? <This message was edited>
8/7/24, 2:48 pm - +Samuel Tan: May I also suggest that downloading any social media apps require parental permission. TikTok has a lot of sexualised content. I have seen primary school children watch soft porn on TikTok on trains after school. I cannot imagine the damage on 8-10 year old children.
Please help me understand what is meant by a "holistic solution, rather than relying on legislation". What is included in this holistic solution?
I strongly suggest an age verification for social media apps, parental permission required, and also regular training for parents to understand the trends, so they can watch for warning signs in their kids
8/7/24, 2:50 pm - +Andrea: Use of pornography (and I believe social media similarly) has been likened to drugs: https://fightthenewdrug.org/
Please protect our sons and daughters by banning this drug in Singapore. One more victim to sexual crime and sexual brokenness is one victim too many.
8/7/24, 2:50 pm - +Samuel Tan: If children are unwittingly exposed to porn on social media, can social media companies be charged and parents receive compensation for the counselling and damages incurred? So far social media companies have gotten off the hook
8/7/24, 3:04 pm - ☸️ Danny ĺż:
Some social media content are educational and inspirational not only for kids but also adults.
Even better than parents and teachers imparting right values to children.
Example this one.
8/7/24, 3:06 pm - ☸️ Danny ĺż: <Media omitted>
8/7/24, 3:28 pm - ☸️ Danny ĺż:
1. This kid upon birth, his father passed away.
2. His mother passed away when he was 3 years old.
3. His adopted father pick him up and raise him in a rural farm - but passed away when he was 12 years old. Before he passed away, his adopted father told him to study hard and try to turn over his life no matter how poor they are.
4. At 12 years old, he is left alone in a rundown house.
5. He was very determined to complete his study despite extreme poverty.
6. He pick up plastic bottles to sell, go to forest to hunt for foods, pick up thrown away vegetables and scraps in the market and make meal to survive.
7. He save his meagre savings so that he can attend schools and pay school fees.
8. During recess, when all the kids go to canteen to take their meal, he stay in the classroom to study and he studied very hard so that he can forget his hunger.
9. When preparing for exams, he will use chip stick to keep both his eyes open - so that he ensure he prepare well for his exam and do well.
10. He did very well in all his exam and even do so well that he qualify for the top University in China - Beijing University.
11. The school finally discover his struggle, and social worker from his school adopted him so that he can complete his study.
12. This is an inspirational video that are broadcast to all the students in China - triggering tears from the students that view this video --- better than counselling, coaching, scolding, reprimanding from parents and teachers --- to coax their children and students to study hard.
8/7/24, 3:32 pm - +Frankie Wee: Hopefully child will meantime spent on study and outdoor activities and learn how to be useful social security. And less time mobile gaming periods. They will grow up make a difference educational.
8/7/24, 3:47 pm - +Jimmy Chew: When I was a kid. they can't verify I am above 18. It's a self declaration. I know a parent openwd a 12 year old son to have a Facebook because wants <This message was edited>
8/7/24, 3:49 pm - +Jimmy Chew: Or allow him adult movies because they need to be exposed đ
8/7/24, 3:57 pm - +~l or Smiley face: As technology continues to evolve, we must prioritise future directed thinking in online child protection in the digital age requires a comprehensive, thorough, and multi dimensional approach at both local and international perspectives, implementing effective measures, addressing challenges and limitations, and future directions.
8/7/24, 4:00 pm - +REACH: đ˘ *Topic* đ˘
8/7/24, 4:08 pm - +SL: From practicality, will age verification work for tech-savvy children?
8/7/24, 4:26 pm - +Bhavani: My daughter continues to receive online school homework so from 7.00 pm until 10.00 pm, she is using either the phone or laptop. On Thursdays, when she comes home around 4.30 pm, she is on the phone and latop from 4.30 pm to 10.00 pm. On Saturdays and Sundays, she studies and does online homework the whole day and night. How do I wean her away from this?
8/7/24, 4:28 pm - +Bhavani: She is always under stress and sleeps only when I tell her to and not by herself.
8/7/24, 4:28 pm - +Bhavani: She has lost all the cheeriness that she used to have.
8/7/24, 4:53 pm - +~l or Smiley face: _"Just how knowledgeable are parents about controlling their children's online habits, behaviors, and context?"- anonymity_
_Five Silver Bullets:_
- Age appropriate content filtering
- Parental controls and education
- Online safety education for children
- Regular monitoring and enforcement
- Collaboration and multi-stakeholder engagement
8/7/24, 5:09 pm - +Darius Lee: Back in 2022, the Ministry of Communications and Information said this: "Age verification is technically difficult, and the technology continues to evolve. It also involves concerns over data protection, especially regarding children’s data. Balancing data protection concerns with effective and reliable age verification methods is challenging, and global standards have not been set."
https://www.mddi.gov.sg/media-centre/parliamentary-questions/age-verification-for-joining-social-media-platforms/
Practically speaking, what will age verification look like in relation to mobile app stores? Will it just be a simple self-declaration, or something more?
Also, what about the following scenarios where age verification is bypassed?
- A parent gives his child an old phone, containing all the various apps.
- A child asks a parent or older person (e.g. older sibling) to download an app on his behalf.
8/7/24, 5:18 pm - +~l or Smiley face: Let's calibrate according to age, 2 to 14, simple handphone with no access to internet?
8/7/24, 5:19 pm - +Andrea: Ideally till 16..
8/7/24, 5:19 pm - +Andrea: And no phones at all before 7
8/7/24, 5:20 pm - +~l or Smiley face: Telco subscription should be lowered to say $5/MTH with free 200 Sms/MTH and free incoming calls.
Additional SMS charged at 1 cent per SMS.
8/7/24, 5:20 pm - +~l or Smiley face: Parental control.
8/7/24, 5:21 pm - +~l or Smiley face: This message was deleted
8/7/24, 5:23 pm - +~l or Smiley face: *Effective Implementation*
- Successful implementation of online child safety measures requires a multi-stakeholder approach, involving government agencies, industry leaders, community organisations, parents, and children.
8/7/24, 5:24 pm - +~l or Smiley face: *Challenges and Limitations*
While implementing a comprehensive approach to online child protection, we must acknowledge potential challenges and limitations.
8/7/24, 5:25 pm - +~l or Smiley face: *Going Forward & Unknowns*
As technology continues to evolve, we must prioritise future directed thinking in online child protection in the digital age requires a comprehensive, thorough, and multi dimensional approach at both local and international perspectives, implementing effective measures, addressing challenges and limitations, and future directions.
8/7/24, 5:41 pm - +Rama: Not practical in this day and age
8/7/24, 5:41 pm - +Rama: During certain hours
8/7/24, 5:42 pm - +Rama: For seniors, low income!?
8/7/24, 5:43 pm - +~l or Smiley face: Yes, ! Thoughtful! Thanks Andrew!
8/7/24, 5:43 pm - +~l or Smiley face: The key takeaways from these countries' approaches to online child protection are unequivocal. *One:* Empowering children and prioritising their rights is paramount, as exemplified by Norway and Sweden's unwavering commitment to child participation and empowerment. *Two:* Education and digital literacy are equally crucial, with Denmark, Finland, and Japan investing in innovative programmes and solutions that foster online safety and critical thinking. China and Iceland are setting the standard in regulation and age appropriateness, ensuring that online content and services are tailored to children's needs. The main points: All countries are recognising the imperative of collaboration between government, industry, and community in addressing the complex challenges of online child protection. By focusing on these key areas, we can create a safer, more empowering, and inclusive online environment that nurtures the wellbeing and potential of children worldwide. And so, let's join forces to protect our children, our future, and our collective humanity from the harms of cyber space, and ensure a safer and secured tomorrow. Together, we can make a difference, starting from our *own homes and schools*, where we can cultivate a culture of online safety, awareness, and responsibility that will benefit generations to come. Let's unite to create a safer and more secure future for all.
8/7/24, 6:00 pm - +REACH: đ˘ *Topic* đ˘
8/7/24, 6:05 pm - +~l or Smiley face: *Additional Facts:*
_Norway:_
- Emphasises child participation and empowerment in online safety decisions
- Provides resources and support for parents and carers
- Encourages industry responsibility and innovation in online child protection
_Denmark:_
- Develops digital literacy programmes for children and adults
- Regulates online content to ensure age-appropriateness
- Encourages collaboration between government, industry, and community to address online child protection challenges
_Finland:_
- Prioritises cybersecurity and online safety education in schools
- Develops AI-powered tools to detect and prevent online harms
- Encourages responsible social media usage and digital literacy
_Iceland:_
- Has a comprehensive online child protection framework that includes regulation, education, and support
- Emphasises parental education and awareness on online child protection
- Collaborates with international organisations to address online child protection challenges
_Sweden:_
- Emphasises children's rights and empowerment in online safety decisions
- Develops age-appropriate online content and services
- Encourages collaboration between government, industry, and community to address online child protection challenges
8/7/24, 6:45 pm - +REACH: *Dear Contributors,*
⏰ We will be closing the chat in *15 minutes* ⏰
Thank you very much for being part of our WhatsApp chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan đ
8/7/24, 6:58 pm - +~l or Smiley face: <Media omitted>
8/7/24, 6:59 pm - +~l or Smiley face: <Media omitted>
8/7/24, 7:00 pm - +REACH: *Dear Contributors,*
We will be closing the chat for today.
Thank you very much for being part of our WhatsApp chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan đ
8/7/24, 7:00 pm - ~ REACH Singapore changed this group's settings to allow only admins to send messages to this group
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