EDUCATIONAL campaigns will be rolled out in schools across Selangor this year as part of efforts to curb online addiction and raise awareness about internet safety among children.
The initiative is a collaboration between the state, Selangor Education Department and Malaysia Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said more than 100 schools across the state’s nine districts had been identified to take part later this year.
“The programme aims to educate children on how to stay safe online,” he said at the state assembly sitting on Monday (April 27).
He was responding to a question from Muhaimin Harith Abdullah Sani (PN–Batang Kali) on the state government’s approach to addressing what he described as “gadget syndrome” among young children, which he said contributes to antisocial behaviour.
Amirudin said a similar campaign was conducted statewide last year, involving more than 800 schools.
He added that the Selangor education department views the issue seriously, noting that excessive use of digital devices poses health risks, including sleep deprivation, reduced attention span and potential social media addiction.
In a supplementary question, Datuk Noorazley Yahya (PN–Bukit Melawati) asked whether the state would provide funding to non-governmental organisations interested in carrying out online safety programmes for children.
Responding, Amirudin said the focus was on the nature of the initiatives rather than funding.
“It is not about funding, but the type of programmes proposed. The state government is open to discussions,” he said.
