Kuala lumpur: The Safer Internet Campaign 1.0 has achieved a significant impact by providing foundational knowledge to protect young users from online risks, reflecting the Government's ongoing commitment to building a safer cyber environment for all.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Media Research and Digital Media Socialisation expert Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shafizan Mohamed stated that the campaign, which involved over 8,000 schools and nearly 370,000 students as of November 30 last year, successfully brought internet safety issues to public attention and provided essential exposure to risks such as cyberbullying. She noted that the campaign reached its target in terms of coverage as information was widely disseminated, but emphasized the need for efforts to measure its effectiveness regarding actual behavioral changes.
The lecturer from the Department of Communication at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) highlighted the importance of understanding the level of information retention among students to ensure it can be translated into safe and consistent daily practices, particularly within the context of internet use at home with family.
Commenting on improvements for the upcoming Safer Internet Campaign 2.0, Shafizan suggested shifting from a purely awareness-based approach to capacity building and practical, application-based skills. She recommended using popular digital platforms like TikTok, WhatsApp, and Instagram to deliver contextual and relatable messages.
She advised against fear-based messaging, advocating instead for practical guidance on protective steps users can take online. Attention should be given to the digital literacy gap between parents and children, the normalization of risks like scams and hate speech, and the growing need for Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy. Shafizan emphasized that internet safety requires collective support by equipping parents with practical skills and involving teachers, communities, leaders, and media practitioners.
Meanwhile, parent Rosalynd Low, a mother of two children aged 16 and 13, expressed that while no internet is truly "safe," a relatively safe internet can prevent scams, cyberbullying, and access to negative content such as violence, drugs, and pornography. She monitors her children's activities on gaming sites like Roblox and ensures open communication about trends, news, scams, and risks, educating them about staged, fake, and AI-generated content.
Low discussed the importance of verifying news through major portals while remaining critical of sensationalism and framing in news reporting. She mentioned that her youngest is not allowed social media accounts, while her eldest's Instagram and TikTok accounts are closely monitored.
On December 16, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil announced that the Ministry, via the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), will intensify Campaign 2.0 this year to strengthen online safety for children and families. As of December, Campaign 1.0 reached nearly 8,500 schools - surpassing the initial target of 8,000 - with over 400,000 participants.
Furthermore, MCMC has announced that the 2026 Safer Internet Day celebration will be held on February 8 at Titiwangsa Lake Gardens, focusing on promoting the safe, responsible, and ethical use of the internet and AI.