Kuala lumpur: TikTok, MCMC, and the Content Forum have collaborated to launch a parental advisory aimed at enhancing the digital well-being of teenagers. The campaign emphasizes the shared responsibility among parents, digital platforms, and policymakers while respecting children's rights to access information, express opinions, protect their privacy, and enjoy freedom of thought.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Content Forum chief executive officer Mediha Mahmood highlighted the necessity of family support for teenagers' digital well-being, noting that online habits and culture are influenced by a healthy home environment. Mahmood emphasized that online safety should not involve restricting teenagers' access to the digital space, as the internet mirrors real-world social issues. She urged parents to nurture creativity while fostering vigilance, encouraging healthy routines, and building meaningful conversations with their teenage children.
TikTok Malaysia's Public Policy head, Firdaus Fadzil, acknowledged the challenges faced by teenagers, such as bullying, peer pressure, mental health concerns, and harmful behaviors, while stressing the crucial role of parents in guiding them. Fadzil stated that parents and guardians are the primary guides due to their closeness and familiarity with their children's needs. The campaign aims to equip parents with the knowledge and tools needed to cultivate a responsible digital generation, ensuring teenagers are better prepared to navigate the online environment safely.
In the same statement, MCMC noted that the guide complements its Internet Safety Campaign and supports the government's efforts to create a safer and more responsible digital ecosystem. According to MCMC, platforms like TikTok play a significant role in protecting users while respecting children's rights to access information and express their views appropriately for their age, aligning with Malaysia's commitment to strengthening online safety standards.
The guide introduces three practical tips to help parents enhance teenagers' digital safety. The first tip is to monitor teenagers' digital activities through the 'Family Pairing' feature, allowing parents to link their accounts with their teen's account to monitor activity, receive upload notifications, and view usage time via the 'Screen Time Dashboard'. TikTok also automatically sets private accounts for users under 16 based on its 'Safety by Design' principle, while children under 13 are not allowed to create an account.
The second tip involves adjusting settings according to teenagers' needs, including setting screen time limits, disabling notifications, choosing between private or public accounts, managing direct messages, and personalizing content frequency via the 'Manage Topics' feature. The third tip encourages parents to initiate conversations on digital literacy by engaging in open dialogue on trends, risks, or uncomfortable online experiences, and helping teenagers understand how to block, report, and interact safely.