KUALA LUMPUR: Everyone can be a hero in real life. You don’t need to don a cape or have special powers. All that is needed is a good and generous heart.
In light of the recent spate of bullying cases that has grabbed headlines, if you feel that you need to do something, come be a cyberhero and be a part of a campaign to stop cyberbullying.
With today deemed as Stop Cyberbullying Day 2017, Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd (Digi) is calling for support in the global Stop Cyberbullying campaign to support ‘4 Million by 2020’, which is initiated by Norwegian Telenor Group.
Telenor, a multinational telecommunications company aims to educate four million children in online safety practices across its 13 international markets by 2020.
To be a part of the campaign, just change your profile picture via Facebook or Twitter at www.twibbon.com/support/stop-cyberbullying-day.
Also join a global conversation online by using the hashtag #useheart and #stopcyberbullyingday in posts about Stop Cyberbullying Day and the “Be a Cyberhero” campaign.
Telenor also has a parent guide and various educational and advice on online safety. More can be found on www.digi.my/digicybersafe.
Accodring to Digi CyberSAFE programme manager Philip Ling, the telco is committed to educating more children and youth in Malaysia on cyberbullying and practical ways to address the issue.
Ling said Digi has been very active in creating awareness on cyberbullying and advocating safer Internet experience for all as part of the company’s commitment to safeguard its customers’ digital life.
He said the programme to date has seen Digi training about 7,500 school teachers from 10,000 schools nationwide on topics including cyberbullying, cyber grooming, identity theft, and how to develop positive digital citizenship behaviour.
“We cannot reduce the occurrence but we are helping them to strengthen their digital resiliency levels and at the same time, instil digital citizenship amongst our children,” he said.
Ling added that a survey conducted by Digi also revealed that most of the children or victims tend to turn to their peers for advice instead of getting help from the right people.
This year, he said Digi continues to work closely with its partners including the police, CyberSecurity Malaysia, and UNICEF apart from supporting Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and the Education Ministry through several initiatives such as creating a digital citizenship module to be used in schools’ co-curriculum activities and engaging content for #mydigitalmaker Mobile Learning Unit, which will travel to more than 50 rural schools this year.
CyberSecurity Malaysia Outreach and Capacity Building Division Vice President Lt. Col. Mustaffa Ahmad hoped that more players including non-governmental organisations and private companies will come together to mitigate the problem.
“Bullying now is transforming from physical into cyber and is seriously building up. The scars that were left on to the children will stay until their adulthood.
“Cyber security and cyberbullying is everybody’s problem, there must be multiple stakeholders and relevant industries taking part in handling the issue,” he said.