Schools and parents must work together to protect kids online

While technology provides us with great tools of convenience, it also creates great concerns for parents with young children who may not see the dangers lurking behind the many communication and social media apps available ("Girl selling phone online lured and fondled by man posing as student"; Monday).

I admit that we must move with and adapt to the advances in technology, but perhaps schools could conduct lessons to educate students on the dos and don'ts on the Internet.

Schools can also teach students about some of the dangers of chatting with strangers on social media.

In the past, we were taught not to talk to strangers, but this is no longer relevant, as chatting with strangers is the norm these days on social media.

Teaching children about Internet safety cannot be left solely to parents, as most parents are working and may have little opportunity to police their children's online activities.

Many schools also assign work that requires students to use online platforms, increasing the opportunity for children to go on the Internet.

Embracing technology is becoming the norm, but we must equip our young and impressionable children with skills so that they will not become victims of technology.

Schools must work hand in hand with parents to protect our children from the many dangers lurking online.

Clara Chua Sieo Peng (Ms)

This article was first published on Nov 4, 2015.
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