90s kids will remember their parents having warned them about talking to strangers online, and not to click on weird pop-ups. However, even though the advancement of technology is largely a blessing, families today seem to have a lot more to be wary of when traversing the Web. The good thing is, as the threats evolve, so do we.
Even a noob at Internet safety can easily learn more at NLB’s event on information literacy, titled “Let’s Be S.U.R.E. together!”, with a free pop-up and family-friendly programmes happening this August. S.U.R.E. stands for Source, Understand, Research, and Evaluate – basically the 4 most important steps to check off when getting information from online sources. Here’s what you can expect:
Image credit: Public Libraries Singapore via Facebook
Learning how to navigate the vast ocean of information online doesn’t have to be boring, and NLB’s pop-up event and programmes will teach you how to stay safe while surfing the Web – no matter your age or level of Internet know-how.
Taking place over the 19th-20th August 2023 weekend, there’ll be various activity and game stations at One Punggol, Celebration Square where you can test your skills at staying safe online, identifying AI-generated content, and tackling misinformation. Check off the stations to score yourself some S.U.R.E. merch such as stickers and tote bags.
Image for illustration purposes only.
Image credit: Public Libraries Singapore via Facebook
Meanwhile, there’ll also be various programmes taking place at Punggol Regional Library:
All the activities are free of charge. While the One Punggol pop-up event with game stations is open for all to walk in, the programmes happening at Punggol Regional Library do require sign-ups – so remember to chope a slot online.
Families can combine their brain power and put their digital detective skills to the test at Jurong, Woodlands, and Tampines Regional Libraries. From 1st-31st August 2023, there’ll be Misinformation Puzzle Displays set up for you to solve.
Conquer the “Where’s Wally?”-style puzzle to see if you can spot the “good” online behaviour from the “bad”, journeying through topics like scams, cyber wellness, and misinformation.
Meet the team of SUREvivors: Source-Finding Sarah, Understanding Upin, Researching Raju, and Evaluating Emma.
Image credit: NLB
As a little badge of honour for solving the puzzles, you’ll also get to take home collectible “SUREvivor” stickers. Each character comes with tips on how to stay safe and develop good digital habits. With their pearls of wisdom, the Internet trolls will not be getting the upper hand.
Even the grandparents of today’s generation are tech-savvy – whether it be for catching up on the news, buying things online, or even having a little Candy Crush sesh. So, it might be a good idea to jio them for the Seniors Go Safe Online workshops happening at Jurong Regional Library from 4pm-5.30pm on 26th August, and 10am-11.30am on 27th August.
No worries if you don’t plan on heading down to the libraries physically. The NLB event also has a slew of talks and workshops geared towards both youths and parents, which will be conveniently held over Zoom – all for free.
It’s never too early to get clued in on AI, so you can impart that wisdom onto your children once they hop on the ‘Net.
Parents and grandparents who are concerned about the online safety of little ones at home can attend the Zoom talk titled Growing Up with A.I.: Raising Digitally S.U.R.E. Kids, happening on 10th August from 7pm-8pm. With AI tools rapidly gaining popularity, this informative breakdown will guide parents on how to teach their kids to wield the technology effectively.
Calling all gamers – don’t miss the GGWP: Staying Safe and Calm in Online Games webinar which will be held over Zoom on 24th August from 7pm-8pm. Pick up some of the current game trends, gamer lingo, and tips on how to avoid overspending on “microtransactions” in-game – yes, we’re looking at you Genshin players.
These are just a little teaser, be sure to check out the full list of NLB S.U.R.E. programmes that’ll be happening throughout August 2023, both on and offline.
Don’t be one of those cringey people who send fake news to the family WhatsApp group chat. Apply the S.U.R.E. steps to identify what’s fact or cap out there on the Internet, and these educational programmes may very well help you become the family’s next cyber sleuth to protect them from the threats of the World Wide Web.
This post was brought to you by the National Library Board (NLB)’s S.U.R.E. team. S.U.R.E. is NLB’s flagship information literacy programme which promotes the importance of information searching and discernment.
Cover image adapted from: Public Libraries Singapore via Facebook
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