Children of today belong to the Internet generation.
Gone are the days of poring over thick books for some obscure piece of information.
Today, information is literally at their fingertips – a click or a swipe is all they need.
Dial-up phones have given way to smartphones, and playing together no longer just happens in parks and playgrounds.
With the Internet, kids can play with their friends online with various devices such as tablets and phones.
While this may sound like a perfect existence, cyberspace is not without risks and problems.
These range from exposure to inappropriate content, such as pornography or violence, to grooming and cyberbullying.
Plus, these dangers hide behind the screen of anonymity.
Predators may become acquainted with a child by pretending to be a peer to gain their trust.
By the time they are found out, it may be too late.
Some parents may feel that the best way to protect their children from these dangers is to ban Internet access.
However, this is neither practical nor feasible.
The Internet, like it or not, is an integral part of their lives.
We do not ban driving to avoid accidents.
Rather, we attend driving classes and get driving licenses so that we are safer drivers.
The same goes with Internet use.
Education is the way to go.
Here are eight ways to help your children navigate cyberspace:
Be curious about their cyber presence.
Ask in a friendly tone about how they utilise the devices and what they do online.
Talk about the content they watch.
Remind them that not all that they see online is real.
Be wary if they say an adult is trying to connect with them.
When it comes to online gaming, game manufacturers have their own built-in safety mechanisms.
Some games with open servers block the chat function for children under the age of 13.
Ensure that your child types in his or her real age to enable the function.
Emphasise that these rules are for their own safety.
However, as parents, we need to abide by the same rules as well.
These rules should cover age-appropriate screen time limits, including when and where devices can be used, particularly on school nights.
Ask them to be honest and report inappropriate content when they come across it online.
Parents can also install Internet nannies to minimise the risk of exposure.
Take an active interest in what your children are watching or playing, and join them.
Explain why certain content or websites are deemed inappropriate.
For shows or games, take the age category seriously.
An eight-year old child should not be watching or playing a PG13 or 18SX show or game.
Ask them what their friends are up to online, but do not judge or berate them.
Always be mindful of their need for privacy, especially teenagers.
Maintaining a good relationship with them will ensure you a spot in their lists of friends and followers.
Be respectful of what you post on their page.
Telling them off or making fun of them online will cause undue embarrassment.
If you are uncomfortable with something they posted, talk to them privately.
Guide your child into analysing and questioning what they see on social media.
Remind them not to be too flattered by compliments from strangers, not even when they claim to be of the same age with a matching profile photo.
The Internet affords anonymity and people can pretend to be someone else.
Remind your child to be polite online and to never post photos that would expose their school or personal details.
The youth of today have a tendency to post everything on social media.
Explain to them that this information is called a digital footprint and can be retrieved even after it has been deleted.
Avoid posting sensitive photos.
Ask them: “Would you be okay if your cikgu (teacher) or grandma sees this post?
“If not, don’t post it.”
Remind your teens that their future employers may see photos of them that may seem like cool fun or harmlessly jokey now, but potentially embarrassing later, and that may diminish their chances of getting a job.
Teach them to trust their instincts and to always tell a trusted adult if something feels wrong.
Help your child recognise danger signals, such as:
- Requests for personal information or private photos.
- Strangers asking to meet in person or offering gifts.
- Messages that feel “off” or make them uncomfortable.
Show your child how to create strong passwords and enable privacy settings.
Remind them to only accept friends or follow requests from people they know in real life.
Follow the law of the land and the app.
For example, Facebook and Instagram only license their platforms for those over 13.
Countries like Australia have introduced a minimum age to access social media.
In Malaysia, those under 16 have been banned from registering or maintaining a social media account since June 1 (2026).
Be the example: use the Internet responsibly, avoid oversharing and treat others with kindness online.
Let your children see you take breaks from screens and enjoy offline time too.
Encourage respectful screen habits across generations, including grandparents, as they may help take care of the children.
Do not post photos of your children without their permission, and never post photos of other people’s children, not even your nieces or nephews.
Online safety isn’t something that can be taught overnight.
It requires repeated reminders and close monitoring in a non-threatening manner.
Through gentle, yet firm guidance, children can learn to be Internet-savvy and avoid potential predators and scams.
Children with good online ethics are less likely to fall victim or to become bullies.
They are our future – let us guide them to be smart and secure digital defenders.
Dr Yong Junina Fadzil is a consultant paediatrician and paediatric cardiologist. This article is courtesy of the Malaysian Paediatric Association’s Positive Parenting programme in collaboration with expert partners. For further information, please email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader’s own medical care. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
