Hwa Chong’s “Social Media Pause” Sparks a Nation‑Wide Debate
When Hwa Chong International (HCI) sent a note to its 17‑to‑18‑year‑old students on June 29—just ahead of Singapore’s 2020 General Election—it’s almost like the school decided to shut down the entire Internet for a hot debate!
The advisory, titled “Advice with regards to Student Online Behaviour for the Singapore General Election 2020”, warned that the under‑graduates should avoid posting anything election‑related on school‑linked or personal social‑media accounts.
Why the School Cooled the Digital Thermostat
- Safety First: The administration says social‑media posts can be mis‑captured, taken out of context, and blown up online even if you’re only chatting in a private group.
- Age‑Appropriate Decorum: “You’re young adults but we don’t want you dragged into agendas beyond your control,” the spokesperson said.
- Educational Mission: HCI boasts a Student National Education Council that hosts debates and talks; the school believes in in‑person discussions rather than the viral chaos of the net.
The decision has left lots of people scratching their heads. Is it a good idea to put a pause on your voice? or is it just a polite nudge about social‑media etiquette?
Alumni’s Take‑away: Mixed‑Bagged Opinions
- Ervin Tan (lawyer, 2007 HCI alum) states the school’s intent is good, but invites us to let students learn the real, messy thing: nailing a political conversation on Twitter can be a test of character.
- Michael Wee (bioethics researcher, Oxford, 2009 HCI alum) urges that juniors should be treated like mature adults. “We shouldn’t just avoid politics on social media; we must be the role‑models who engage responsibly.”
Yale‑NUS’s Cape Speaks Up
The Community for Advocacy & Political Education (Cape) at Yale‑NUS says the best bet is to teach how to use social media smarter, rather than put a full stop on it.
- Quit the Ban, Start the Talk: “Instead of cutting out the platform, hang out in the classroom and talk about how to swing a tweet wisely,” they suggest.
- Trust the Youth: The group maintains that youths can seriously weigh in on public matters in a thoughtful way when given the right tools.
What Next?
HCI hasn’t confirmed any disciplinary action for violating the advisory, but the conversation is underway: Should schools cut off politics online for safety, or should they give young people “digital citizenship” lessons so they can navigate those waters without stoking wildfire?
Stay tuned for how this tale of social‑media censorship and student empowerment unfolds. In the meantime, grab a burger, step out from your phone for a breath of fresh air, and remember: your voice matters, even if the internet can turn it into a headline.
