PUTRAJAYA, Feb 17 (Bernama) -- Making the Internet a safer place for kids was the central theme of an industry dialogue on digital citizenship, as part of Safer Internet Day 2017 discussions. Attended by leading academics, local regulators and technology players and led by the Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI); the session was focused on the theme Be the Change: Unite for a Better Internet. The one-day event was hosted by Netflix, Inc, the world’s leading Internet television company, as part of its ongoing commitment towards fostering an engaged, safe and enabled online space for all.

Key among the discussions was the need for a culture of responsibility in a child’s life by every party, including government, law enforcement, industry representatives, educators and parents. 

“Online safety is everyone’s concern - from pre-schoolers to grandparents.  The Family Online Safety Institute brings a unique, international perspective to the potential risks, harms as well as the rewards of our online lives. This event is a valuable opportunity for us to share some of those insights and allows us to learn about local concerns and sensitivities. This in turn enriches all of the attendees and allows us to better formulate plans that work globally together, to protect children online,” said Stephen Balkam, Founder and CEO of the Family Online Safety Institute.
 
An international, non-profit organization headquartered in Washington, DC; FOSI’s mission is to make the online world safer for kids and their families. It’s members and supporters represent brands and minds from leading Internet and communications companies around the world. FOSI’s work encompasses public policy, industry best practice as well as good digital parenting.
 
“We find that there are common concerns and steps that can be taken around the world to better guide our children online. These include steps that acknowledge and mitigate potential harm that they could come to – while allowing them a rich and fulfilling online experience. But this only happens if everyone in a child’s life is working together,” added Balkam.
 
Aside from Balkam’s keynote speech, there was a panel discussion titled Unite for a Better Internet: Empowering Parents To Guide Connected Kids. The session was moderated by a representative from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, with panel members from CyberSecurity Malaysia, UNICEF Malaysia, and Universiti Putra Malaysia.
 
“Empowering parents and childminders with information, tools and resources can go a long way toward ensuring children are safer and more responsible online which constitutes good digital parenting. We welcome and support multi-stakeholder initiatives that promote such practice.” K. Juslly Elis, Head of Department Outreach and Implementation, Advocacy and Outreach Division, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission
 
“Netflix has a unique opportunity to be a part of Malaysia’s conversation on digital citizenship. Central to this conversation is how various stakeholders encourage empowered families to make wise decisions and to creatively explore the vast potential the Internet has to offer.” Kuek Yu-Chuang, Managing Director, APAC, Netflix.
 
The dialogue also covered cyber-security topics that touched on the greater awareness and management of content that is seen online and shared; who is able to contact children online; and protection against negative elements or behaviors like cyber-bullying. Other platforms like the Global Resource and Information Directory, alongside initiatives like Good Digital Parenting¹ were also called out as valuable resources to help everyone – especially parents – unite to be the change they want to see online.