By Dr Tengku Elena Tengku Mahamad

As technology continues to share our daily lives, it has become imperative that educational institutions and families do more than just impart digital literacy. With children and youth increasingly engaging with platforms like Roblox, PUBG, TikTok, and other online games and social media, we must ensure that they are not only proficient in using these technologies but are also well-versed in promoting safe online practices and digital safety.

Digital literacy is about more than just using gadgets; it’s about confidently exploring, understanding, and creating in the digital world. True digital literacy goes beyond technical skills, encompassing a comprehensive understanding of the digital landscape, including the potential risks and the knowledge required to mitigate these dangers. This is where digital safety education comes into play.

The online environment, while offering countless opportunities for learning and social interaction, also presents significant risks. Cyberbullying, online predators, phishing scams, and exposure to inappropriate content are just a few of the dangers that lurk in the digital world. Without proper guidance and education, our children are vulnerable to these threats.

Role of educational institutions

As the Deputy Dean of Research and Industrial Linkages of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, I firmly believe that educational institutions have a crucial role in integrating digital safety into their curricula. Schools should not only teach students how to use digital tools but also emphasise the importance of safe online behaviour. Programmes and workshops on digital safety, cybersecurity, and the ethical use of technology should be standard components of the educational experience.

One effective approach is incorporating real-world scenarios and case studies into the curriculum to help students understand the consequences of unsafe online behaviour. This hands-on learning can make the lessons more relatable and impactful. Additionally, collaboration with tech companies and cybersecurity experts can provide students with up-to-date information and practical insights.

Some argue that digital safety education should not begin at an early age. However, with more young children going online, the risks become significant once they start reading and communicating online. Therefore, digital safety education should begin early. Integrating digital safety sessions in kindergartens can lay a strong foundation for responsible online behaviour. Simple lessons on what to do and what to avoid online, tailored to young minds, can be incredibly effective in establishing good habits from the start.

Family involvement

Families, too, have a responsibility to foster an environment where digital safety is a priority. Open communication about online experiences, setting clear guidelines for internet use, and educating children about the risks and how to handle them are essential practices. Parents should stay informed about the platforms their children use and be proactive in discussing potential online dangers.

Parents can also utilise parental control tools and monitoring software to help manage their children’s online activities. However, these tools should be complemented with regular discussions about why such measures are necessary and how they contribute to their overall safety.

Peer education and student involvement

Moreover, it is vital for students themselves to be actively involved in promoting safe online practices. Peer education can be particularly effective, as young people are often more receptive to messages from their contemporaries. Encouraging students to become digital safety ambassadors can help create a culture of vigilance and responsibility among their peers.

Schools can establish digital safety clubs or committees where students can take leadership roles in educating their classmates about online risks and safe practices. These peer-led initiatives can be instrumental in fostering a community of digitally responsible students.

Government efforts and collaborations

Government efforts in developing policies and initiatives to promote digital literacy and safety are commendable and crucial in this endeavour. They have been proactive in integrating digital literacy into the national curriculum, ensuring that students are equipped with essential digital skills from a young age.

Understanding the risks involved in going online is just as important as recognising its many benefits. Being digitally literate and aware of these risks plays a crucial role in ensuring a safer online experience for our youth. By prioritising digital safety education, we equip our children with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the digital world confidently and securely.

-- BERNAMA

Dr Tengku Elena Tengku Mahamad is Dr Tengku Elena Tengku Mahamad is Deputy Dean (Research and Industrial Linkages) and Senior Lecturer (Communication Management and Policy), Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam.