JOHOR BARU: Children have to be made to understand the ethical boundaries and consequences of using digital tools, especially technologies like AI, says Malaysia Cyber Consumer Association (MCCA) president Siraj Jalil.
This came about following the controversy involving a 16-year-old who used artificial intelligence (AI) to generate pornographic images highlights an urgent need to improve digital literacy among children.
“It is very concerning and reflects the weaknesses in our digital education system,” Siraj said.
“We encourage children to explore AI, but exposing them to the technology without teaching responsible use can lead to serious consequences. This is one of them.
“Their creativity can go in both positive and negative directions.”
He added that the Education Ministry should take a more proactive role in improving digital literacy.
Recently, a 16-year-old secondary school student was arrested and expelled after he was alleged to have used AI to generate pornographic images of his classmates and school alumni
Siraj said that the incident in Kulai is unlikely to be an isolated case.
“The school has a strong alumni network and happens to be located in the constituency of the Deputy Communications Minister.
“I would not be surprised if this has happened in other schools and we just don’t know,” Siraj said.
“There are likely many cyberbullying cases involving AI that go unreported, which is worrying.
“That is why MCCA has been advocating a compulsory subject on digital literacy that covers ethics, cybersecurity and safe tech use.”
Mohd Ridhwan Othman, Malaysian Education Concorde Organisation (Me’didik) chairman, agrees.
He said that children must be digitally literate from a young age.
“Children will use AI whether we like it or not, and it is not easy for us to know if they’re using it for the right reasons.
“We have to teach them how to use it wisely, as they may not understand the consequences of their actions,” Mohd Ridhwan said.
Without early guidance, students may turn to peers or social media for answers, which could lead to harmful experimentation, he said.
“We need to move beyond just teaching how to use tech.
“Students must learn how to protect themselves online and identify risks like scams, grooming or AI misuse,” Mohd Ridhwan said.
