Being safe in the cyber world
The Star (13 March 2012) THE first of 10 state-level DiGi CyberSAFE Programme workshops kicked off at SMK Seremban 2 recently with around 500 students from 30 schools in Negri Sembilan as well as parents and teachers. This marks the start of the programme's state-level workshops, a nationwide outreach campaign aimed at raising awareness of child safety on the Internet. Launched in November 2011, the programme is a smart collaboration between the Ministry of Education, CyberSecurity Malaysia, Childline Malaysia and DiGi Telecommuni-cations involving a series of education workshops to advocate online child safety.
Learning more: Students surfing the Internet after attending the first state level DiGi CyberSAFE Programme workshop in Seremban. The tailored workshops would target more than 5,000 students by September 2012. The aim is to spread knowledge and equip students, parents and teachers with tools to ensure a secure and family-friendly Internet experience. The workshops involve talks and interactive sessions focusing on identifying risks and threats online, cyberbullying, cyber stalking, identity theft, child pornography and cyber grooming. It also involves discussions on chatting, social networking habits, tips to stay safe and guides for parents. Through the programme, participants will also be informed about Childline 15999, which is accessible via telephone and email. DiGi corporate affairs director Zaiton Idrus said they had the responsibility to create a family-friendly Internet environment for customers, particularly children, who may not be aware of the dangers that lurk on the Internet. "We believe children should be given the opportunity to explore and leverage on the full potential of the Internet and as such, we need to equip them, their parents and teachers with knowledge and the right tools to protect themselves. This is the aspiration we have with this programme," Zaiton said. The programme's partnership with Childline Malaysia also provides children an avenue for help via 15999 Childline, a 24-hour telephone helpline for children to call for help if they come across any online threats. Following Negri Sembilan, the roadshows will move to Sabah, Sarawak, Malacca, Johor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Penang, Perak and Pahang. In addition to the roadshows, a guidebook for parents and caregivers to spread awareness and tips on the best ways to create a safer Internet experience for children was also launched in October 2011. For more information on the DiGi CyberSafe Programme, visit www.cybersafe.my/dcp |
