WITH the availability of a multitude of affordable Internet devices, children are increasingly exposed to the virtual world at an early age.
Cheras-based Muhammed Hafiz Abdullah, 41, said his first-born Mirza Abdul Mutalib Muhammed Hafiz, 13, began surfing the Net in his primary school years.
“He started using computers in Primary Three when he had to do a class project with friends. I gave Mutalib my old smartphone when he was in Primary Five. He accesses the Internet on the smartphone and the computer,” said Muhammed Hafiz.
Earlier on, he and his wife sat down with Mirza Abdul Mutalib and went through do’s and don’ts on online use, especially with regards to religious and cultural values.
“At home, he uses his phone at common areas, for example the living room. Outside of the home, we trust his judgement to make the best decisions based on values we have taught him,” said Muhammed Hafiz.
Since Mirza Abdul Mutalib gets data service from a prepaid plan, which is topped up once a month, he does not have unlimited Internet access. “I have to be careful with my access. I visit games sites and enjoy YouTube music videos and comedy,” said Mirza Abdul Mutalib.
Although he has not experienced anything unpleasant online, he said he is aware of cyberbullying which he termed as “when someone says nasty things to you online”.
“If I ever experience this, I will probably tell my parents. We can sue the people who do this to us, right?” he asked, tongue-in-cheek.
Muhammed Hafiz said that, at end of the day, despite the risks, technology is a crucial tool for every child to master.
“Technology is a part of our lives, hence, we need to learn to live with it responsibly,” he said.
Nur Dinie Adriana Hardy Azrai, 16, was introduced to smart devices when she was 9. Beginning with a smartphone she shared with her elder brother and subsequently a device of her own at 13, the Kajang lass spends between four and five hours online every day.
Nur Dinie Adriana’s mother, Faiiza Mohd Mokhtar, 46, made it a point to supervise her online activities at the start until she understood the associated cyber risks.
“She’s been using the Net for her studies and it helps a lot in increasing her knowledge and strengthening her English language,” said Faiiza.
“ I usually visit Twitter, Instagram and YouTube,” added Nur Dinie Adriana.
While she has never experienced cyberbullying, she said she will confide in her parents if it happens.
Sharon Hoe Chooi Fan, 37, from Bandar Sunway, is careful about introducing her 7-year-old daughter Maegan Goh to the Internet.
“So far, she surfs for movies on the Net with my iPad. And she has to get my OK before downloading from it,” said Hoe.
Hoe finds the tablet a great tool for Maegan to do research on areas which she herself does not know.
“Every child should be taught to surf the Net responsibly and as parents we need to instil good habits,” she said.