DiGi helps keep kids safe online
The Sun Daily (17 November 2011)

Education Ministry deputy director-general of policy and educational development Dr Khair Mohamad Yusof (centre) guiding students through the CyberSafe Programme website.

DIGI Telecommunications Sdn Bhd has teamed up with the Education Ministry, CyberSecurity Malaysia and Childline Malaysia to launch a nationwide outreach campaign aimed at raising the awareness of child safety on the Internet.

Dubbed DiGi CyberSAFE Programme, the main thrust of the new programme is a series of educational workshops that will be conducted at schools and community broadband centres around the country.

"The target is to reach out to more than 5,000 students by September next year. The DiGi CyberSAFE Programme looks to spread the knowledge and equip students, parents and teachers with tools to enable a family friendly Internet experience," said DiGi in a statement.

Deputy Education Minister Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi said the programme is a perfect example of how the public and private sectors can and should come together in addressing a key issue affecting the nation.

"As accessibility to the Internet increases both at home and school, we have a responsibility to ensure we create a family-friendly Internet experience for our children," DiGi CEO Henrik Clausen said.

"With the increasing rate of cyber crimes particularly targeting children, we want to mobilise an online community, particularly younger generation, that is aware of safety and privacy issues, and are adequately protected against the possible dangers on the net," he added.

The DiGi CyberSAFE Programme's partnership with Childline Malaysia means that children facing issues online have an avenue for help via 15999 Childline, a 24-hour telephone helpline for children.

Trustee of Childline Malaysia, Norwati Razak Sabri, encouraged children to call for help when faced with an unpleasant experience.

"This programme is not only about making children aware of the dangers online. It is also about empowering children to realise that they themselves play a big role in protecting themselves, and that there is someone out there who can help them if they run into trouble," she said.

In advocating children's safety when using the Internet, DiGi together with programme partners recently launched a guidebook for parents and caregivers to spread awareness and tips on the best ways to create a safer Internet experience for children.