TOUCH Cyber Wellness

Within the Golden Hour – My Thoughts While Watching KPop Demon Hunters Before My Tween

We’re goin’ up, up, up... It’s our moment…

If these lyrics sound familiar to you—maybe because your child is belting them out in the shower or dancing around their room—you’re not alone.
KPop Demon Hunters recently dropped on Netflix, and since then, it’s been buzzing among kids and teens. With its mix of catchy K-pop tunes and a storyline about demon hunters disguised as idol singers, it’s no surprise it’s caught the attention of young audiences.

Now, this isn’t a review of the show. Instead, I’d like to share a few personal reflections and invite you to consider your child’s online consumption.

The Backstory: From My Home to Yours
My tween daughter had been hearing about the show from her friends and could already sing parts of the soundtrack—even though she hadn’t watched it yet. That just shows how fast trends travel—whether it’s through YouTube shorts, TikToks, or playground chatter.
Some of the parents that TCW works with, shared that they were okay with the show, others weren’t too keen—but gave in so their kids wouldn’t feel left out.

Curious, I decided to check it out. Here are my personal reflections that might help you navigate this conversation at home.

What Parents Might Want to Think About
Let’s be honest—the music is really well-produced. Super catchy. I may have tried singing along (badly) even though I don’t understand Korean.
But beyond the glitter and dance moves, the storyline actually touches on some deeper stuff. Here are a few takeaways that could make for good chats with your kids:

1. The Power of True Friendship
It’s not about having many friends, but the right ones. The show highlights how genuine care, loyalty, and shared values matter more than popularity.
2. Not Everything That Looks Good Is Good
Help our kids learn to think critically about what’s placed in front of them. Just because it looks cool, sounds great, or comes from a favourite celeb doesn’t mean it’s helpful or healthy.
3. Watch That Inner Voice
The main character wrestles with a lot of self-doubt and guilt. It’s a good opportunity to discuss negative self-talk with our kids and how to spot when it’s untrue.
4. Embrace Who You Are—But Don’t Stop There
We want our kids to be honest about their struggles – and grow from them. If your child has a temper, don’t shame them; help them manage it and build better relationships.

So What Now?
Should your child watch KPop Demon Hunters? That’s your call. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend it for younger kids (Primary 1–3), but older tweens and teens might benefit—if we process it with them.

Treat it as a springboard for deeper conversations on identity, friendship, culture, and faith. Watch the show together, seek their thoughts and share yours. The real impact isn’t just in what we ban or allow – it’s in the conversations we have.

By Shem, Yao Weixiong
Assistant Director, TOUCH Cyber Wellness
Father of a teen, tween, and pre-tween (kid)

📱👨‍👩‍👧 Parents, Ready for a Digital Adventure?

Join us for "Our Digital Journey" – a unique parent-child programme by TikTok & TOUCH Cyber Wellness!

🗓️ 30 Aug 2025 (Sat)
⏰ 10am – 12pm
📍 *Grovve @ SCAPE, 2 Orchard Link

💡 What’s in it for you?
✅ Learn how social media affects your child’s well-being
✅ Discover TikTok's safety features and tips
✅ Get hands-on with practical strategies for healthy digital habits

👨‍👧‍👦 For parents of kids in Primary 5, 6 & Sec 1–2
🎟️ Limited to 20 parent-child pairs!

👉 Click of this link https://forms.office.com/r/tnRgXx4PSJ
or Scan the QR code to sign up before slots run out!

In today's digital age, children are increasingly exposed to online risks, including sexual grooming and harmful content. This workshop is designed to help parents understand these dangers and equip them with practical strategies to protect their children. Participants will explore various forms of online harm, such as grooming and sextortion, and learn about their psychological impacts on children. The workshop will also cover trends in online behavior, the risks associated with social media and gaming, and effective communication strategies to foster open discussions about online safety. By the end, parents will be empowered to safeguard their children's digital experiences.

Registration Link:
https://bit.ly/tcwwebinar2024
Date: 28th Sept 2024 (Sat)
Time: 0930am - 1100am
Format: Online Webinar

Successful registrants will received a webinar link via email, at least 3 days before the event.

Managing Screen Time During Exam Season
With prelim exams on the horizon, stress can be high for both students and parents. While it’s important to monitor screen time, remember that many digital activities can help kids cope with stress too! Here are a few tips for parents:

1. Open the Conversation: Check in with your child about how they’re feeling. Acknowledge their emotions; it’s a tough time for everyone.

2. Listen and Encourage: Hear their plans for managing stress. Suggest a mix of coping strategies, like physical activities and family meals, alongside structured screen time.

3. Set Realistic Expectations: Help your child prepare for the exam season. A balanced strategy that includes screen time can support both their studies and well-being.

4. Use Parental Controls: Consider apps to help manage screen time. For iOS, use Screen Time; for Chromebooks, try Family Link.
This is a great chance to teach kids about healthy device use. Have discussions about acceptable apps, set screen time limits, and check in regularly to keep them accountable.

We're thrilled to be a part of the Digital For Life Festival by IMDA! Join us at our booth, where we're dedicated to helping parents navigate the challenges of digital parenting with their children.

🧡 Discover Your Parenting Approach: Through our interactive quiz, you'll gain valuable insights into your parenting style—whether you're an 'Enabler,' 'Limiter,' or 'Mentor.' 🤔✨

👍 Learn and Grow: Our quiz also sheds light on the merits and areas to be mindful of in each approach, offering practical tips for achieving that perfect balance. 📚💡

👶 Special for Preschool Parents: If you have preschoolers, don't miss TOUCH’s 'First Device Campaign.' Get a better understanding of how to promote healthy and positive screen time with your little ones. 🧒📺

Join us at the event to enhance your digital parenting journey! See you there! 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 "

TOUCH Community Services

4 November 2021 marks the International Day under the theme of "Tackling cyberbullying and other forms of online violence involving children and young people" - a day that calls for global awareness on online violence and cyberbullying!

Literature informs us that emotional support is one of the most important means that we can extend to cyberbullying victims.

In this difficult season of the pandemic, it may not be the easy for our youths to deal with the constant changes. As caregivers, we encourage you to slow down, check in on your children and teenager, and listen to them.

Youths, reach out and lend a listening ear to your peers whom you know might be experiencing cyberbullying too.

Let us be cautious about jobs advertised on social media ("high salary"?!) claiming to be from marketing departments of reputable businesses.

Teacher loses $4,000 to job scam; police arrest 19 for suspected links to similar scams Scammers claimed they could not pay her back unless she transferred more money.. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Here are 3 simple tips we can use to keep your shopping expericence safe and secure!

There are increasing number of COVID related scams cases that we should be aware of:

1. Fake news about COVID-19 vaccines

2. Scammers pretending to be MOH staff....... possible exposure (rephrase this to be clearer)

3. Scammers pretending to be MOH staff asking for financial details

4. Scammers claiming to be from pharmaceutical companies scheduling vaccination registrations

Let us stay vigilant and be on the lookout for our own family members. In case of doubt, check the main website for official announcements or call the police hotline (1800-255-0000)

TOUCH Cyber Wellness wishes all children a very Happy Children's Day! 😄

Roots of Groundedness - that all decision-making and actions be driven and centred upon sound principles and values.

Wings of Independence - the liberty to soar and explore new grounds with courage and confidence.

Preparing these two gifts require truckloads of intentionality, planning and prioritising.

As well as a mountain load of perseverance, especially when things do not go according to plan.

But it will be worth all the while in the end.

We wish for every child to be given them by their parents and loved ones, and we hope that our work has inspired and motivated some to embark on the process and equipped some to work through it.

Wishing all our children a very Happy Children’s Day! 🥳

We have recently concluded our inaugural TOUCH Cyber Wellness Symposium 2021 on 25th Sep as part of our 20th birthday celebrations!

If you have joined in at any point of the celebrations that day, be it the welcome address, the panel discussion or the workshops in the afternoon, we thank you for celebrating the occasion together with us, and we hope that you and your family members have found the time enriching and worthwhile. We have been encouraged by your attendance and feedback, and we look forward to engaging with you in our future celebrations. Thank you once again for being with us!

"Thank you very much for organizing such complimentary workshops. They are very informative and interesting and have given us parents many tips about how to communicate better with our children and to be better parents in all aspects."

"Thank you for the informative sharing sessions and the specially designed deck of cards. The panel session helped me initiate difficult conversations with my children."

See you at our next event!

We would like to thank all of you: the schools who have worked with us, the partners who have supported us in our work, the students and families who have placed their trust in us to help them along their journey.

Our years of work would not have been possible without your support. A big thank you to you!