KUALA LUMPUR: Regulations on Internet safety must be continuously updated to protect young people from the dangers of rapidly evolving technology.
Corston Smith founder Datuk Shireen Ann Zaharah Muhiudeen, a strong advocate for corporate governance and ESG (environment, social, and governance) practices, says there is an urgent need for better governance infrastructure to address the significant online risks facing children, who are increasingly reliant on digital media.
Following her trip to South Korea and observing the impact of pandemic lockdowns, Shireen said this became high on her agenda, noting the growing screen fatigue among children.
"When I returned to Malaysia, I discussed this with my late mother, a paediatrician passionate about children's cognitive development and reading," she shared on the New Straits Times' podcast Beyond the Headlines.
"She firmly believed that children under three should have no screen time because it harms their development."
Shireen said many parents were unaware of the Internet's dangers, but with proper guidance and stronger regulations, this can change.
"Education is key. We need to empower parents to better protect their children from online harms. It starts with being more responsible; rather than handing them gadgets, parents should be more discerning about what they offer for entertainment.
"If you want your children to read, give them storybooks. Let them choose, turn the pages, and read to them," she said.
Shireen also emphasised that parents were not alone in this battle.
"They are up against AI (artificial intelligence) engineers designing highly addictive applications. It's not about failing as a parent.
"In the United States, for example, many wealthy families and schools don't allow phones until the eighth grade. Some parents argue it's for safety, but there are phones that allow calls and messages without Internet access."
Shireen expressed concern about the rising trend of self-harm among children with unsupervised Internet use.
"It's alarming when children start to self-harm, even using something as simple as a sharpener blade to cut themselves."
This is compounded by the unrealistic expectations children set for themselves after comparing their lives to the curated content on social media, she added.
"People tend to showcase the best parts of their lives online.
"This comparison leaves many, especially women, feeling inadequate, as they struggle to match the perfection they see in magazines, films, and on the internet," she said.
To address these concerns, Shireen said the upcoming International Legal Conference on Online Harms, set for Sept 5 and 6, will explore ways to enhance online safety with greater outreach and support from authorities.
It will feature international advocates for social media accountability and transparency, including Frances Haugen and Dr Taylor Owen, who will discuss the challenges posed by online threats and the rise of AI.