Low Awareness Among Parents in Perlis
On March 8, a report highlighted the ongoing challenge in Perlis regarding parents’ awareness of the significance of monitoring and controlling their children’s internet usage, particularly on social media platforms. Many parents are unaware or uninformed about the online activities of their underage children, raising concerns about their safety in the digital landscape.
Safe Internet Campaign Initiative
To address this issue, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in Perlis, led by director Norrazlina Nordin, has been actively engaging with Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and students through the Safe Internet Campaign. This initiative aims not just to inform students but also to educate parents on navigating their children’s online environments.
Importance of Parental Controls
Nordin emphasized that a key component of the campaign is parental control. She stressed that parents can utilize mobile devices and WiFi settings at home to enforce limits on internet usage. “Many parents are unsure what their children are exposed to online,” she stated, pointing out the necessity of oversight in the digital age.
Gadget Dependency Among Young Children
Another troubling trend highlighted by Norrazlina is that many parents resort to giving gadgets to younger children as a means to keep them occupied. The campaign seeks to educate these parents that such devices should not serve as a ‘babysitter,’ but rather, should be monitored closely.
Providing Age-Appropriate Content Information
The Safe Internet Campaign also furnishes parents with crucial information regarding suitable online content tailored for various age groups. This resource is designed to aid parents in better supervising their children’s online activities, ensuring a safer internet experience.
Previous and Ongoing Campaign Efforts
Last year, the Perlis MCMC conducted the Safe Internet Campaign in schools under the Perlis Education Department. This year, the focus is on evaluating the effectiveness and impact of the campaign on the targeted groups, ensuring that the message resonates and achieves the desired results.
Collaborative Efforts for Safer Internet Usage
Looking ahead, MCMC plans to visit various schools throughout Perlis. Collaborating with appointed icons and the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI), they aim to engage students in interactive activities that promote safe internet practices. This proactive approach seeks to empower both parents and children in making informed decisions online.
Perlis Initiates Safe Internet Campaign for Parents and Children
Low Awareness on Internet Use Among Parents
In Perlis, there is a concerning lack of awareness among parents regarding the significance of monitoring and managing their children’s internet usage, particularly on social media platforms. This knowledge gap poses risks to children, making initiatives like the Safe Internet Campaign all the more vital.
Engaging Parents and Students
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has actively engaged with Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and students to elevate awareness about safe internet practices. The campaign aims to enlighten both students and parents about the importance of understanding online safety.
Emphasizing Parental Controls
One critical focus of the campaign is to highlight the use of parental controls. Parents are encouraged to take advantage of features available on mobile devices and WiFi settings to limit and monitor their children’s internet activities. This proactive approach is essential for safeguarding younger internet users.
Avoiding Digital Babysitting
Norrazlina Nordin, the director of MCMC Perlis, pointed out a common trend where parents resort to giving gadgets to young children as a means to keep them occupied. The campaign seeks to educate parents that screen time should not replace responsible parenting, urging them to engage more with their children’s online experiences.
Providing Age-Appropriate Content Guides
The Safe Internet Campaign also offers valuable resources for parents, including guidelines on suitable online content tailored to various age groups. This information aims to assist parents in supervising their children’s internet exposure effectively and making informed decisions about the media their kids consume.
Evaluating Campaign Impact
Last year, MCMC implemented the Safe Internet Campaign in schools under the Perlis Education Department. This year, the focus shifts to assessing the impact of these efforts on both parents and students, ensuring the messages resonate and adapt to the community’s needs.
Collaboration for Safer Online Practices
Looking ahead, MCMC plans to visit schools throughout Perlis in collaboration with designated influencers and the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI). These activities are designed to promote safer internet usage among students, making online safety a community priority.
