Bekasi Regency Government: Do Not Let Children Explore the Digital World Alone
The Bekasi Regency Government, West Java, is urging educators, including teachers and parents, to protect children from the dangers of the internet through educational activities. This effort is part of a broader movement to increase public awareness regarding the importance of cybersecurity for future generations.
The Acting Head of the Department of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (P3A) of Bekasi Regency, Akam Muharam, stated that digital technology developments have transformed how children learn, communicate, and interact, effectively becoming a second environment for them alongside family and school.
“Today we face the reality that the digital world is no longer merely a tool, but a second environment for children to learn and interact. However, behind the rapid development of technology, there are various threats that must be a shared concern,” he said in Cikarang on Friday.
He explained that various risks lurk for children in the digital space, including cyberbullying, exposure to pornography and violence, gadget addiction, and the threat of child sexual exploitation through digital media.
“This activity is a preventive and educational step to build collective awareness regarding the importance of cyber safety for children. Child protection in the digital world must involve the government, families, schools, and the community,” he added.
His department emphasised a commitment to continuously building a safe digital ecosystem for children through various educational and protection reinforcement programmes. This includes supporting national policies regarding age restrictions for social media use, the protection of children’s personal data, and the securing of children’s digital footprints and profiles.
Akam invited parents and educators to implement ‘digital parenting’ as a primary step in accompanying children when using digital technology. He also urged all organisations and communities working in child protection to act as both pioneers and reporters in creating a safe digital space, while utilising the internet creatively, positively, and responsibly.
“To my children in the Children’s Forum, be pioneers and reporters. Use the internet wisely for beneficial purposes and do not allow yourselves to be trapped in the dark side of the digital world,” Akam said.
Akam expressed hope that all participants of this activity could become agents of change, spreading awareness about the importance of child protection in the digital space to their families and surrounding environments. Cross-sector synergy is considered the key to fulfilling and protecting children’s rights in the digital era.