PM: Don't be shy to make constructive comments online

PM: Don't be shy to make constructive comments online

EVERYONE needs to work together to build a positive environment online, urged Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

In a Facebook post yesterday, PM Lee encouraged Internet users not to shy away from making positive and constructive comments, and to show the way for others on how to use the Internet more responsibly.

He was commenting on the Media Literacy Council's (MLC) campaign to mark Safer Internet Day yesterday.

This year's campaign recognises individuals and groups who are helping to create a better Internet.

They have shown respect, responsibility, empathy and integrity online, said PM Lee.

For this year's Safer Internet Day, which was celebrated by over 100 countries, the council took to social media to look for 50 individuals and groups who were making the Internet a more positive space.

It could be something as simple as posting a kind word or making constructive comments on social media.

Those who utilised the Internet to make a positive change in the lives of others, such as through starting social causes on Facebook or making encouraging videos, were also commended in the campaign.

One of them, Mr Dennis Ooi, who was also mentioned in PM Lee's post, reaches out to young people over the Internet about cyber wellness and gaming addiction.

"I try to inculcate good values in them - how to respect each other online and to be mindful of what they say," said the 29-year-old, who runs his own IT company.

MLC chairman Tan Cheng Han said: "For everyone to benefit from the Internet, it needs to be a safe and enriching space where constructive dialogue can take place and where people can disagree without being disagreeable... The Internet is what we make of it - let's harness it to create a better world, offline and online."

To read about the 50 people and groups over the next few weeks, visit www.betterinternet.sg

lesterh@sph.com.sg


This article was first published on February 11, 2015.
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