Photo : Messenger
Today, screens are omnipresent, shaping how our kids learn and have fun with the constant presence of digital devices. The internet, an expansive and ever-evolving realm, plays a major role in their upbringing. These days, many parents are introducing digital gadgets to their young children from an early age. It's a way to keep them entertained with cartoons or games during meals, making it easier for parents to get them to eat without fuss. It's a pretty common thing in many homes these days and during the pandemic, when most schools across the country were closed, students were assigned homework online and attended online classes. As a result, a significant number of children, teenagers, and tweens became accustomed to learning online and grew more reliant on digital devices than ever before.
Kids these days are incredibly skilled with technology, often knowing more than their parents. They just seem to have a natural knack for navigating the online world. But being good at using tech doesn't mean they're fully ready to handle all the risks that come with it. While this digital involvement offers abundant opportunities, it also exposes them to potential online risks and dangers.
The fascinating world of the internet lures our young ones into trying out different apps, social media platforms, and interactive websites. These digital creations are made to grab your attention completely, keeping you hooked and using them for extended periods. However, lurking within this digital landscape, there are hidden dangers masked by what appear to be harmless interfaces. Scams, cyberbullying, identity theft, and other threats exist, preying on unsuspecting individuals navigating this online realm. Now, there is this fake video technology called 'deep fakes' scaring people, spreading lies, and pretending to be someone else. And catfishing? That’s when people use fake photos and stories to trick others, even our kids, into believing they’re someone they're not. It's happening on social media, in games, you name it.
Scammers target teenagers with sophisticated schemes, exploiting their inexperience and emotions. Cyberbullying continues to plague online spaces, causing severe psychological harm to its victims. Hackers capitalise on children's curiosity and naivety to execute malware attacks. Children don’t value the concept of personal information that much. The internet is a handy and resourceful tool, but it’s also an alluring hangout for bad guys. And it’s a permanent record. Once you post or publish something, a record of it is there for good, even if you delete the original message or images. This is why kids, “tweens,” and teenagers alike must understand the power of their online presence. Adults need to explain the vastness of the internet and how personal information can be used to hack accounts, answer security questions, and lead to much more severe consequences—physically, financially, and psychologically. Private information such as full names, addresses, dates of birth, ID numbers, and more needs to stay concealed and protected at all times.
The digital world is ever-evolving, and so are the threats it poses. Instead of keeping younger individuals away from it, a wiser approach involves teaching them smart cyber habits. The foundation of cyber education should start at home. Parents need to engage in open, nonjudgmental conversations with their children about online safety.
Teaching kids to stay safe online should be as important as anything they learn in school. We've got to weave it into their lessons, just like we teach them math and science. It's about making learning fun, like playing a game, but learning how to keep your secrets safe and spot the bad stuff. Why not create characters like Meena, Raju, and Mithu that help kids navigate the maze of cyber threats they face today. Growing up in the '90s meant a world filled with our beloved cartoon characters, Meena, Raju, and Mithu. Those cartoon characters weren’t just entertainment; they were teachers, showing us right from wrong and addressing social issues through their stories. It’s got me thinking: Why aren’t we doing something similar now?
This learning of the cyber world should commence from the elementary level, introducing the basic concepts of digital safety, secure passwords, privacy settings, and recognising online threats. As students progress, the curriculum should evolve, offering practical, hands-on experiences with technology and integrating cybersecurity elements into various subjects like mathematics, science, and social studies. For instance, math classes may include lessons on encryption algorithms, while social studies could cover topics like the ethical aspects of internet use and data privacy.
The role of government authorities is paramount in fostering a cyber-smart nation. Policies and initiatives to promote digital literacy, protect online privacy, and combat cyber threats should be prioritized. Collaborations between government bodies, educational institutions, and industry experts can establish comprehensive frameworks for cyber education and awareness programs.
In conclusion, the digital era presents many opportunities and risks. Building cyber smart habits in children, integrating cybersecurity education into the school curriculum, and fostering parental understanding of the cyber world are pivotal steps towards creating a safer digital environment. Let us strive to empower our youth with the knowledge and skills to navigate the digital wave responsibly, shaping a smarter and more secure future for Bangladesh and its digitally connected citizens.
The writer is an Information Technology professional and enthusiast.
Messenger/Fameema
