Digi takes on digital issues with children for Safer Internet Day 2016

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate publication

Digi takes on digital issues with children for Safer Internet Day 2016
Digi and Childline Malaysia conduct child advocate workshop to promote the positive use of Internet

SHAH ALAM, 4 February 2016  - In conjunction with the upcoming Safer Internet Day 2016, Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd ("Digi"), together with Childline Malaysia, organised a workshop to engage  and conduct a deep dive session with over 30 opinionated children and youths in the area of internet safety an positive use of digital technology as part of the lifestyle of today's digital generation.

According to Philip Ling, Digi's Programme Manager for Sustainability, "With technology changing rapidly, and with the advent of new apps, platforms and social media channels, more and more children are "sophisticatedly connected" and more often than not, are without any idea on the possible associated risks."

"We organised this workshop as a platform to nurture digital resiliency and educate children on the best and most practical ways to be safe when online. This is also an opportunity for us to get into their 'heads' and understand their personal views on this subject matter. As we place internet in the hands of more Malaysians, in particular the younger generation, Digi will continue with our effort to cultivate the sense of digital citizenship in all the children that we engaged with. In turn, it is our hope that they will then be able to share their experience and skills and create the awareness among their peers," added Ling.

The child advocate workshop was attended by children between the ages of 8 and 18 years old who sat in several sessions that addressed the common issues they may face on the Internet. These sessions encouraged the children to share their experiences as well as the hurdles they constantly face. They were also encouraged to brainstorm on the possible scenarios, solutions and tools needed to cultivate and maintain a positive digital experience for them and their peers.

Seventeen year old Firdaus Ab. Aziz shared, "I have always been a very curious child and the Internet as well as technology has helped me in discovering new things. However, there are times where you can discover a lot of unsuitable things that a young child should not be exposed to. Today's training has taught me that while the Internet is a source of great information, responsibility has to be exercised as well. I believe that when exploring the Internet and new technology, we should be able to stop a friend from crossing the line and educate them on practicing safe and responsible use of technology."

"Cyber safety is really important for a young person like me as it creates a safe environment for us to utilise technology optimally. I believe that it has to be enforced in order to ensure the safety of children and young adults. We need to use the Internet wisely and not take advantage of it as it is only going to grow beyond our expectations as the years go by thus, creating more possibilities for negative influences. Therefore, through this workshop, I understand that it is also my duty to share my positive experiences when utilising the Internet with friends and family," said Nicole Loh, age fourteen.

Safer Internet Day 2016 is celebrated in over a hundred countries, offering the opportunity to highlight the positive uses of technology as well as explore the role both children and adults play in helping to create a better and safer online community. Falling on 9th February this year, Safer Internet Day is given the theme "Play your part for a better internet".

For more information on Digi's initiative for CyberSAFE, visit us at https://safeinternet.my/