Introducing cybersecurity awareness as part of the core curriculum in primary schools

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Ms Mariam Jaafar, Sembawang GRC

Question

To ask the Minister for Education whether there are any plans to introduce cybersecurity awareness as part of the core curriculum in primary schools.

Response

1. MOE recognises the importance of equipping students to use technology safely and responsibly. Cybersecurity education is delivered as part of Cyber Wellness lessons within the Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) Curriculum. As part of CCE, all primary students are taught how to keep themselves safe in the online environment, including how to identify dangerous online content like phishing emails and online falsehoods.

2. These lessons are supported by digital literacy resources, covering cybersecurity-related topics such as safeguarding personal information when using internet and social media and hosted on the Student Learning Space online platform (SLS). These resources are available to all students.

3. Beyond the formal curriculum, the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (or CSA) supports MOE's efforts by providing assembly talks and other enrichment programmes in schools. A cybersecurity module is also incorporated into the Code for Fun programme for all Upper Primary students, where they are exposed to concepts like encryption and ways to protect oneself against cyberattacks.

4. MOE will continue to ensure that students are equipped with cybersecurity knowledge and skills to use technology safely and responsibly in their day-to-day lives.