Things said online are instant, public, viral and permanent, the
man behind Singapore's kindness drive told about 400 children
gathered at the School of Science and Technology at Commonwealth
Avenue West on Wednesday.
"Once you click on the button, you can't take it back," said Dr
William Wan, general secretary of the Singapore Kindness Movement,
at an annual cyber wellness conference held by the Education
Ministry to spread awareness about good online practices amongst
students.
He warned the pupils - ambassadors of cyber wellness in their
schools - that one's behaviour online "may even affect the people
we love". He was referring in particular to the case of Briton
Anton Casey, who was flamed online after making disparaging
comments about public transport commuters in Singapore. His young
son was also targeted by online attacks.
Dr Wan also cited the example of former NTUC employee Amy Cheong to
highlight the importance of responsible online behaviour. Ms Cheong
had drawn flak from netizens and later lost her job, after making
insensitive comments about Malay weddings.
ST
