Cyberwellness 2 - Handling Inappropriate Content

Dear 3.2 pupils,

Have you ever felt uncomfortable, weird, scared, confused or guilty about the content you see online?

Here’s my story…
Many years ago, when I was surfing the Internet for information on my project, I chanced upon a website with the following caption. - “LOSE WEIGHT FAST- 10 KILOGRAMS in 3 DAYS.”

The website provided 10 easy steps for ladies like me to lose weight. Though I found it a little unbelievable, I was tempted to give it a try.

Just when I was engrossed in reading and understanding how to go around losing weight in the fastest way, my mother came into my room.

She saw the content on the website and asked, “You are not going to follow the steps, aren’t you? How can you go without food for so many days? Is that the right way to lose weight?”

I came to realize that I might even cause harm to myself. I have learnt that in order to lose weight, it is important to have a balanced diet and exercise regularly.

What about you?
1) - Have you ever seen anything online that made you afraid, uncomfortable or feel excited and yet guilty because you sensed that it was wrong?
2) - How would you discern if the content on the Internet is inappropriate?
3) - What should you do when the content on the Internet is inappropriate?

I hope to read your responses soon in your blog.

Cyberwellness 1 - Cyber Addiction (Pupils' Response)

Dear 3.2 Cyber Kids,
I would like to share my personal experience on Cyber Addiction.

For the past few weeks, I have been playing a game called “Waka-Waka”on the facebook, an improvised version of Pac-man. I have always enjoyed playing Pac-man since I was young.
Soon, I was addicted to the game unknowingly.

Negative behaviours such as spending too much time on the game and possessing the urge to play the game soon surfaced. My ultimate goal is to be the first on the score board.

However after about a week, I realised that something was amiss. I wasn’t spending enough time with my family members.

I began to reflect on the purpose of playing the game and how it has affected my daily routine. I came to understand the importance of having a balanced lifestyle and spending time with my family members.

Now, I'll only play the game if I've completed my work and limit myself to at most, 30 minutes of gaming every day.

That’s my story. What about yours?

Share your experience on computer gaming and how you tried or will be trying to overcome Cyber Addiction.

Do make use of the following questions for your reflection.
1. What is your favourite computer game?
2. How many hours a day do you spend on playing computer games?
3. How has it affected your daily routine?
4. What can you do to prevent Cyber Addiction?
5. What advice would you give to your friend who is a game addict?

I hope to read your reflection soon. Start writing immediately.

Pupils' Response 19 - Effects of Preventive Measures on Pupils

Hi 3.2 pupils,
Since we returned to school two weeks ago, we had to take our temperature twice a day.
Some of the pupils could not return to school because they were on leave of absence.
Our remedial, CCA and other activities have been cancelled or postponed.

In this week's reflection, I would like you to discuss how all these have affected you.

I have listed some questions below to help you with your reflection:
1. What do you think of the school's preventive measures for H1N1 such as temperature-taking, no assembly in the hall, cancellation of remedial lessons, CCA and other activities?
2. Which activities have affected you?
3. How has the cancellation of these activities affect you in your learning?
4. Do you think the school is less interesting now? Why?
5. Are your relationship with your friends and teachers affected? If 'yes', in what way/s?
6. What do you do with the extra time you have now?
7. Are your activities outside school affected?

I hope to read your reflection soon. Start writing in your blog immediately.