Reports of AI-encouraged Cases of Self-harm amongst Teenagers and Children
Ministry of Social and Family DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Ms Hany Soh's inquiry regarding reports of artificial intelligence (AI)-related self-harm among children and teenagers over the past three years and the preventive safeguards in place. Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli B M M replied that the Ministry of Social and Family Development does not track self-harm reports specifically linked to AI, noting that self-harm factors are multi-faceted. He explained that schools educate students on cyber wellness, mental health, and safe AI usage, while the Infocomm Media Development Authority's (IMDA's) Digital for Life portal equips parents with resources to manage AI risks. Youths and parents can access mental health assistance through school counsellors, community providers like TOUCH Community Services, national mindline 1771, mindline.sg, Youth Community Outreach Teams, CHAT, and Youth Integrated Teams. Additionally, IMDA enforces the Code of Practice for Online Safety, requiring designated social media services to minimise user exposure to self-harm content and provide safety information for high-risk search queries.
Transcript
69 Ms Hany Soh asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) whether the Ministry has received any reports on artificial intelligence-encouraged or related cases of self-harm by teenagers and children in the past three years; and (b) what are the safeguards in place to prevent such risks.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) does not track reports of self-harm specifically related to artificial intelligence (AI). Nevertheless, we note that the factors contributing to self-harm are often multi-faceted and may differ from case to case.
The Government's approach is to educate Singaporeans, especially young users, with the knowledge and awareness to use technology in a safe and healthy way. In schools, students are taught to be safe, respectful and responsible online users through their Cyber Wellness and Mental Health Education lessons. Students are also taught to use AI tools safely and responsibly.
The Infocomm Media Development Authority's (IMDA's) Digital for Life portal provides resources that explain the risks of AI and guide parents on how to safeguard their children's well-being when interacting with AI platforms. Parents who suspect that their children are struggling with mental health issues arising from digital technology use, including interactions with AI platforms, can seek help from school counsellors or community service providers, such as TOUCH Community Services, which runs counselling and intervention programmes for youths affected by cyber and mental wellness issues.
Youths may also seek mental health support from First Stop for Mental Health services, such as national mindline 1771, mindline.sg, Youth Community Outreach Teams, CHAT and Youth Integrated Teams in the community.
IMDA has regulatory safeguards to minimise users' exposure to self-harm content on platforms. The Code of Practice for Online Safety for Social Media Services requires designated social media services to minimise users' exposure to self-harm content and provide relevant safety information to users searching for high-risk search terms, including those relating to self-harm.