The survey, done in partnership with the international non-profit organisation SafeGov.org, took the views of 400 Malaysian parents of school-age children on the expected educational benefits, as well as the potential threats to children's privacy that school Internet services can bring.
SafeGov.org president Jeff Gould said in a statement the survey revealed that over 75 per cent of the respondents thought Internet use would help their children to learn creativity, solve problems and become critical thinkers.
"However, the survey also found that many Malaysian parents see a dark side to the use of certain Internet services in schools, especially those which allow advertising or engage in 'data mining' of children's information," he said.
The survey revealed that more than 90 per cent of parents are worried their children's online activities in school will be tracked for profit-making by Internet service providers who rely on advertising.
According to the survey, 72 per cent of parents believe it is legitimate for schools to accept free services offered by Internet companies, while 92 per cent want schools to ensure that all advertising-related practices be banned from such services in schools.
"Eighty-two per cent of parents want the government to pass laws enforcing the ban on online advertising in schools and give parents full control over what kind of information on their children the Internet companies are allowed to obtain," he said.
Limited time offer:
Just RM5 per month.
