A Parent's Guide: Talk to Your Children about the Internet

"You know your children best. Sit down with them and discuss the benefits of the Internet....In the same conversation, have a realistic plan for avoiding misuse of the Internet. Use the language best suited to your relationship to create a safe, open dialogue."

From Telenor, Digi, and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Malaysia, this guide is for parents who may have questions about the internet and usage and safety measures when their kids venture online. "Where and how are our children spending their time online? How do we protect them from predators, cyberbullying and harmful and inappropriate content? What other risks do they face? What resources are available? How do we talk to our children about the Internet?" This book is designed to spark that conversation.

A global study by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in 2013 found that Malaysia had the world's fourth-highest proportion of "digital natives" (individuals between the ages of 15 and 24 with at least 5 years of active internet use), with almost 75% of its youth in this category. In Malaysia, even children much younger than 15 are online every day, using the internet to learn, and explore, network and socialise, to keep updated with what’s happening in their world, and to be entertained. More and more children are also using the internet in creative ways to produce content, create videos and apps, and to blog. It remains parents' responsibility to ensure that they stay safe online and that their online experience is an enriching and positive one.