Dr Amar-Singh HSS, a consultant pediatrician, said parents needed to impose limits on their children’s use of gadgets, with different limits based on their age.
“Children below two years of age should not use any electronic gadget at all. No television, no handphone, no e-games, and others.
“Children aged between two and five can have an hour of screen time a day. Parents must ensure that the content they consume is educational, and watch the content together with their children.
“For children aged 6-11, place consistent limits on media time and contents. For children aged 12 and above, parents must promote positive media usage by discussing online behaviour, ethics, safety and respect.
“Encourage the children to manage their own screen time,” said Amar in an online forum on cyber safety organised by the Glad Tidings Assembly of God church in Petaling Jaya.
Amar also suggested that parents organise “a gadget-free quality time” with their children, which can be done on weekends. He also suggested that parents let the children decide the kind of outdoor activities they want.
“Parents should not dictate the kind of outdoor activity for their children,” said Amar.
For “gadget-free quality time”, Amar recommended families consider exploring nature – such as forests, rivers and waterfalls as children would learn a lot from their experience there.
On combating cyberbullying and cyber harassment among children and teens, Amar urged parents to involve themselves in their children’s lives if they want to help their children who are suffering from cyberbullying and harassment.
“Parents must watch for signs of online abuse which can be seen in behavioural changes. Ask your child if something is bothering him or her.
“Let your children know that they can come to you with any concern. Try to be calm and understanding. If they feel like they can talk about their issues without you reacting with anger or being upset, they will be more likely to approach you,” said Amar.
Amar, who has helped children affected by cyberbullying and cyber harassment, also recommended that parents of affected children get help from NGOs that look into the children’s cyber safety issues.
He also advised parents against sending children who are struggling with online gaming and social media addiction for treatment, arguing that these “detox treatments” are not really effective and might cause the children to despise their parents.
On the issue of cyberbullying, Amar said children and teens who bully their peers online are often victims themselves.
“They are abused at home, and they take their anger out on other people. These children need our help,” said Amar.
“Discuss with your children how to be a positive digital citizen by not posting things that can be hurtful to other people and by refusing to pass along hurtful messages their friends have shared,” advised Amar.
CyberSecurity Malaysia, the national cybersecurity agency under the purview of the communications and multimedia ministry said in August that the government would draft specific laws to combat cyberbullying.
The agency said that with the specific laws, the prosecution process for cyberbullying will no longer be based on other Acts, including Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1988 (Improper use of network facilities) as is being practised currently.
Reports of cyberbullying can be made to the police, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, Kasih 15999 hotline, Mercy Malaysia, Befrienders and social media platforms, like Facebook and Instagram, as well as cyber999.