The Challenge

Children from disadvantaged backgrounds often face a double digital divide: less access to technology and less access to guidance on using it safely. UOB's My Digital Space initiative sought to address this gap in Singapore—but reaching vulnerable families requires more than standard school workshops. Content needs to be genuinely accessible, delivery needs to meet communities where they are, and parents need practical tools they can actually use, not just general awareness.

Age-Progressive Cyber Safety Curriculum

We designed a two-track programme targeting both children and the adults who support them.

For students, we delivered interactive cyber wellness workshops across primary schools and Social Service Agencies (SSAs). Sessions covered online privacy, cyberbullying, and digital media literacy—with content adapted for ages ranging from kindergarten through primary school. Rather than lecture-style delivery, we built in activities like "Real or Fake" quizzes (teaching children to spot misinformation) and a digital mascot design exercise that helped younger learners think about online identity in concrete terms.

In 2025, we expanded the curriculum to include a Generative AI Safety module for secondary students, responding to the rapid adoption of AI tools among young people. We also introduced our workshops to Rainbow Centre, extending cyber safety education to students with special needs for the first time within this programme.

We also ran trusted adult sessions for parents, guardians, and SSA staff. These focused on actionable skills rather than abstract warnings: how to set meaningful boundaries around screen time, how to navigate the platforms children actually use (Roblox, TikTok), and how to configure parental controls and privacy settings effectively.

Inclusive by Design

Rather than relying solely on school settings, we embedded workshops within local Social Service Agencies — ensuring the programme reached families who might otherwise fall through the gaps. Content was tailored to the realities of vulnerable households, acknowledging that not every family has the same access to devices or supervision capacity.

What This Demonstrates

The programme demonstrated that effective cyber wellness education doesn't require expensive technology or complex infrastructure. It requires meeting communities where they are, with content designed for their specific circumstances. As students' digital lives evolve, whether through new platforms or emerging technologies like generative AI, the curriculum continues to adapt alongside them.