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A recent survey by the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) has highlighted the need to focus more on children’s online safety. The survey found that two-thirds (66%) of respondents encountered harmful content on designated social media platforms regulated by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) under the Code of Practice for Online Safety. Despite this, 6 in 10 individuals chose to take no action against the harmful content they encountered.
The annual Online Safety Poll, conducted in April 2024 with 2,098 participants aged 15 and older, aimed to assess users’ experiences with harmful online content and their responses. The findings underscore a significant issue: while many users are exposed to harmful content, a substantial number do not report it or take any remedial actions.
The survey revealed that 74% of respondents encountered harmful content in 2024, up from 65% in 2023. Notably, 66% of these encounters occurred on social media services designated by the IMDA, an increase from 57% in the previous year. The remaining 28% of respondents encountered harmful content on other platforms, maintaining similar levels to the previous year.
Among the designated platforms, two were reported as the most common sources of harmful content, with 60% and 45% of respondents, respectively, citing these platforms. This trend reflects the significant user bases of these platforms and highlights their greater responsibility in addressing online safety.
The survey identified cyberbullying and sexual content as the most prevalent forms of harmful content, each affecting 45% of respondents. Additionally, there was a noticeable increase in encounters with content that incites racial or religious tension (+13%) and violent content (+19%) compared to last year.
For those who reported harmful content, 78% to 86% experienced difficulties with the reporting process. Common issues included platforms failing to remove the content or disable the offending account, not providing updates on the outcome, and allowing removed content to be reposted.
Many respondents who did not report the content cited reasons such as a lack of perceived necessity (28% – 51%), indifference to the issue (29% – 45%), or a belief that reporting would be ineffective (26% – 37%).
The survey underscores the need for a concerted effort to tackle online harms. The Government has taken several legislative steps, including amendments to the Broadcasting Act in February 2023 to allow for the swift disabling of egregious content, and the introduction of the Code of Practice for Online Safety in July 2023. This code requires designated social media services to implement measures to minimise children’s exposure to inappropriate content and provide tools for managing online safety.
Additionally, a new Code of Practice for App Distribution Services, to be introduced soon, will mandate age assurance measures for app stores to further protect users from harmful content.
The IMDA will evaluate the first round of online safety compliance reports from designated social media services, due by the end of July 2024. This will offer greater transparency regarding each platform’s effectiveness in addressing online harms.
In parallel, the Digital for Life movement, supported by IMDA, provides resources and activities to help users, particularly parents, manage online safety. More information and resources are available at Digital for Life.
OpenGov Asia reported that Singapore’s Minister for Communications and Information had announced stricter regulations to enhance children’s safety on social media. The government is exploring better age assurance methods and the approach includes educational initiatives, support for parents, and community services to address social media addiction and mental health issues.
As online environments continue to evolve, it remains crucial for the government, industry, and users to collaborate in creating safer digital spaces. Singapore’s comprehensive strategy aims to create a safer online experience for children
