PARENTS should become more tech-savvy in this modern age, where social media has become prevalent in children's lives. Teaching them media literacy at an early age is crucial for their safety online.
Content Forum chief executive officer Mediha Mahmood highlights the unprecedented challenges facing modern parents.
She said in today's rapidly changing world, parents can no longer rely on traditional methods to keep their children safe.
"Social media is relatively new for modern parents, making it difficult for them to guide their children on matters they are only beginning to understand themselves.
"Parenting these days requires effort beyond what our parents had to put in.
"Back then, children were safe at home, and parents only worried about outside dangers like injuries from playing on bikes or at the playground.
"However, in today's world, parents need to be concerned about the content their children access and monitor their online interactions closely, as children might be talking to predators.
"The home is no longer a haven, as online predators become prevalent," she said during a forum titled 'TikTok Empowers Parents as Guardians of the Digital Realm' at The Orchid Conservatory in Kuala Lumpur recently.
Equipping children with digital literacy
Mediha said that parents must teach their children digital literacy rather than relying solely on the government.
She understands the challenge parents face in trying to avoid seeming overprotective in their children's eyes while also being afraid of stifling their creativity by restricting social media use.
"The easiest solution might be denying your children Internet access, but that isn't feasible as they are digital natives in these modern times. Therefore, parents must take responsibility by setting boundaries on social media use and being fair with their children.
"For example, if you establish rules like no gadgets at the table or limit their screen time, you must also set an example.
Avoid looking at your phone or texting during meals and refrain from using your laptop for extended periods in front of them," she said.
Mediha added that lessons on digital literacy should begin at an early age and be integrated into children's daily life rather than waiting for it to be covered in school.
Aligning children's development
IBU Family Resource Group's director of operations Isabelle Lai said regardless of effort, some parents may simply not be tech-savvy enough to teach their children about digital literacy.
This is where schools can help fill the gap.
She emphasised that children's development at school and home should be aligned, ensuring they are constantly surrounded by consistent rules and boundaries to keep them safe.
"Think of this as a partnership with your children. It's not about protecting them forever, but also helping them understand digital literacy as a means to understand their safety and the reasons behind certain restrictions.
"Parents need to understand what is developmentally appropriate for children. For instance, knowing why certain content has age restrictions is crucial. Children below a certain age cannot make wise decisions regarding such content, so parents need to control access for their benefit.
"Recognising that these decisions have long-term consequences is important, as exposing young children to inappropriate content shows a lack of digital literacy understanding," said Lai.
Guiding the children
TikTok head of public policy (Malaysia) Anuar Fadzil said TikTok is committed to enforcing the minimum age requirement of 13 years old and creating age-appropriate experiences and controls that provide teens with a safe, inclusive space to explore their creativity and have fun.
"Teens may just be starting to build their online presence, so online services must be designed with their needs in mind.
"For example, the TikTok Safety Centre offers a wealth of information, guides and support, including the Youth Portal and Guardian's Guide."
He also recognised the collective effort required by parents and teachers to educate children about digital literacy and keep them safe online.
"Whether it is taking action, providing education or raising awareness, each of us plays an important role in ensuring that teens are equipped with the necessary skills to navigate a constantly evolving Internet landscape safely.
In the panel discussion, TikTok content creators Wan Sufina (@wfsufina) and Danish (@ach4i) also shared
their insights into parenting and
provided fresh perspectives from the youth.
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