BY EDWINNIE EINSTEIN UNJI
KUCHING: In this digitial era, technology has advanced rapidly, with its fast paced inventions and innovations expanding the world’s connectivity only by a smartphone, an Internet connection and social media.
Recently, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commision (MCMC) has reminded parents to ensure their children do not own a social media account due to it being inappropriate for children under the age of 13 to use any social media platforms.
The New Sarawak Tribune reached out to parents who are willing to voice out their opinions on the issue, whether they agree or otherwise with the statement by MCMC.
DABIF JACK SHAW, 44
Senior administrative assistant
I strongly agree. I have been working as an Information Technology employee since 2004 and I can say that these underaged children are very straight as a ‘ruler’. They are very naive without judging anything that is beyond their comprehension beforehand. If parents want to oversee their children’s activities online, then it is fine but if their children are resistance towards parental guidance, then it will have dire consequences. Also, social media is like a drug, misuse it then consequences arise. It is hard for parents to really oversee their children’s online activities but maybe the developers of these social media websites can help lessen these issues. My kids only have one social media each and that is strictly for school purposes.
MELVIANA FOO, 24
Manucurist
I agree because children who are underaged must focus on their studies instead of social media. Furthermore, the social media contents are not entirely protected, so children would be exposed to things that are very inappropriate that will influence them or even worse, destroy their childhood.
ZIESTONOVIC ZIRO, 37
Driver
I agree with MCMC reminding parents to warn their children about having social media accounts. The reason is children who are still under their parents care are prone to cyber attacks because privacy is very easy to breach in the online world. This is very dangerous to children who do not know any better and click everything that pops up on social media such as personal messages and clickbaits leading to them being exploited by dangerous people. So, it is better for children to not have any social media account at all.
ANDREA NATALIA, 30
Housewife
I don’t really agree with children not having their social media account because when I was their age, I too have my own social media account. Just kids nowadays, are more advanced than us back then and they have their own smartphones and laptops or tablets, so it is hard for us parents to control them.
BRAUSZEIL ELDEN USAH, 33
Safety Supervisor
Yes, I agree with the statement because children under the age of 13 should never own a social media account due to them being naive and vulnerable. Firstly is the widespread of paedophilia cases that surely will pose a danger to our children. Secondly is social media platforms containing a lot of content that is not safe for children’s viewing such as gory and inappropriate pictures and videos. For me, it is better that these underaged children should not own any gadgets, why not, right?
