PSLE#8 English Oral - Peer Power: The Rise of Cyber Wellness Ambassadors
PSLEhacker Episode #8 - PEEL Method
Date of News Article: 18 February 2026 Source: Adapted from The Straits Times (Education Focus)
Reading Passage:
In the modern classroom, the battle against bullying has moved from the playground to the palm of a student’s hand. As digital devices become essential learning tools, the role of Cyber Wellness Ambassadors has become vital. These student leaders are trained not just to spot technical risks, but to recognize the emotional signs of a peer in distress.
A common scenario in schools involves “silent suffering.” This occurs when a student, overwhelmed by hurtful comments or social exclusion in group chats, begins to show signs of extreme stress. Educators note that a victim of cyberbullying often feels a sense of constant vulnerability, as the harassment follows them home via their smartphones. The psychological impact can be severe, leading to a loss of focus in class and a withdrawal from social activities.
Cyber Wellness Ambassadors are taught to be the “first responders” in these situations. Their mission is to bridge the gap between students and teachers. By offering a listening ear and providing reassurance, they help victims feel less isolated. “We are trained to look for classmates who seem unusually quiet or upset while using their laptops,” says a Primary 6 Ambassador.
Through the “Circle of Support” initiative, schools are fostering an environment where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength, not weakness. By encouraging students to report incidents to school counselors or trusted adults, these ambassadors are helping to move the needle toward a safer, kinder digital landscape for everyone.
Word Count: 290 words
(B) Stimulus-Based Conversation (SBC):
Question & Answer
Question 1: Visual Stimulus
“Look at the picture. Why do you think the girl is stressed, and do you know there are channels like school counselors to help her?”
Point: The girl appears to be experiencing significant emotional distress, likely due to a negative online encounter, and it is important to know that professional help is available.
Explanation: Her body language—head in hands and eyes fixed on the screen—suggests she is at the end of her tether. She looks like a picture of misery.
Example/Experience: I am aware that our school has dedicated counselors and teacher-mentors who are trained to handle cyberbullying cases. If I were the Ambassador in the doorway, I would ‘byte the bullet’ and approach her gently. I would remind her that the school counselor’s office is a safe haven where she can speak freely without judgment.
Link: Knowing these seek-help channels is crucial because it ensures that no student has to face digital threats alone.
Question 2: Personal Opinion
“In your opinion, why is it sometimes hard for students to talk to a counselor when they are being bullied?”
Point: Many students feel a sense of apprehension or fear that telling an adult might make the bullying worse.
Explanation: They might worry about being called a “snitch” or fear that their devices will be taken away by their parents.
Example/Experience: I once had a friend who was being teased online. He was deeply engrossed in his worry and didn’t want to tell anyone. I had to inculcate in him the idea that keeping it a secret only gives the bully more power. Eventually, we went to the counselor together, and the look of reassurance on his face afterward was priceless.
Link: Therefore, the role of an Ambassador is to forge a sense of camaraderie so that victims feel brave enough to seek professional help.
Question 3: Solution-Based / Role of Adults
“Do you think parents and teachers should have the passwords to their children’s social media accounts to prevent cyberbullying?”
Point: This is a complex issue, but I believe that a balanced approach based on trust and guidance is more effective than just having passwords.
Explanation: While parents want to protect their children from being vulnerable online, simply monitoring accounts without permission might lead to a lack of trust. Instead, it is more important for adults to inculcate the right values and digital literacy from a young age.
Example/Experience: For instance, my parents do not ask for my passwords, but they have a “no-secrets” policy regarding my online life. If I encounter something that makes me feel at the end of my tether, I know I can go to them for reassurance. This open communication has helped me feel more secure than if they were just secretly checking my messages.
Link: Therefore, I feel that fostering a meaningful and supportive relationship is a better long-term solution than strict surveillance.
Read on your free time …………………
Theme: Cyber Wellness / Peer Support Visual Stimulus: A photo of a student sitting alone with a laptop, looking visibly stressed with her head in her hands. In the doorway, a classmate wearing a “Cyber Wellness Ambassador” badge is looking in with a concerned expression.
📖 Vocabulary List
Vulnerability (Noun): The quality of being easily hurt or attacked.
Reassurance (Noun): Saying or doing something to remove someone’s doubts or fears.
Ambassador (Noun): A representative or promoter of a specific activity or cause.
Withdrawal (Noun): The act of ceasing to participate in an activity or go to a place.
Overwhelmed (Adjective): Feeling like you have too much to deal with.
🌟 Idiom of the Day
“A shoulder to cry on”
Meaning: Someone who listens to your problems and gives you sympathy.
PSLE Oral Usage: “A Cyber Wellness Ambassador should be a shoulder to cry on for anyone facing trouble online.”