KUCHING: Dr Bernard Ting Chuong Hock, a lecturer at the Department of Psychological Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, has stressed the importance of parental guidance in children’s social media usage rather than imposing strict restrictions.
“We have to accept that we are living in a digital world where gadgets are ubiquitous and social media is so accessible.
“That being said, open communication between parents and the children is of utmost importance to discuss rules and regulations and responsible usage,” he told New Sarawak Tribune.
He added that while there are more and newer things children can learn from social media, it may lead to excessive screen time, cyberbullying and exposure to potential harmful content, social isolation, comparison trap and many more.
“Monitoring the activities is also equally important to keep track of their interaction and content.
“Educating them about cybersecurity and digital etiquette will help them to learn respectful communication and sharing.
“Of course, the best is to keep them accompanied and do more offline activities.”
Ting noted that uncontrolled usage of social media may predispose the children to deteriorate in their academic performance and social isolation.
“Therefore, if the usage is unavoidable, guidance should always be in place.
“Supportive approach and open communication would help reinforce the self-regulation.”
On another note, school counsellor Gladys Tan explained that it is a good move to safeguard children from the potential dangers of social media overuse, it might be hard to enforce since children could lie about their age when they register for their accounts.
She also said that having social media among children could expose them to both good and bad things.
“The whole world is open to you with a bunch of clicks. You can connect with friends and learn a lot of new things, but the tricky part is how to explore safely and process in ways that are beneficial rather than harmful.
“The prefrontal cortex, which is a part of the brain responsible for complex processes like self-control, emotion regulation and decision-making, only fully matures in your 20s.
“So imagine that, plus you’re being bombarded by so much info all at once.”
Tan said there should be an agreed-upon duration of social media usage so that children do not get glued to it, but more importantly parents play a key role in helping children to filter and process what they see on social media.
“There should be open discussions and do not quickly pass judgment on the things children see, or instruct them what to do or do not do.
“Instead, listen to them and ask good questions to get them thinking, to evaluate what they view.
“You can not run away from social media, but you can manage it well.
“Social media is not inherently evil, as it is just a very powerful tool.
“That is why parental guidance and supervision are crucial.”
Earlier reports stated that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has reminded parents to ensure that their children under 13 do not own any social media accounts.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said this was because the commission found that it was not appropriate for children under 13 to use any social media.
The unity government spokesman said that most social media platforms did not permit teens of such age to sign up for an account.
“To parents who are here tonight, I relay a warning from the MCMC, children under 13 are not permitted to own TikTok, Facebook, Instagram or any other social media account.
“Should there be such a case (of children under 13 having social media accounts), parents please inform me, the MCMC and we will shut down the account,” he said this recently.
