Safeguarding Students: A Comprehensive Guide to Online Safety in Education

ENHANCING technology, such as mobile phones and devices, provides considerable advantages to education, facilitating quick access to information via platforms like Google, in contrast to traditional techniques like library card indexes.

Nevertheless, akin to many emerging technologies, devices can also pose challenges if not managed effectively within educational institutions. Fortunately, Malaysia’s Ministry of Education has reaffirmed the 2018 initiative that prohibits or limits the use of mobile phones and devices in classrooms, alleviating concerns for stakeholders.

Mobile phones and devices have transformed into a worldwide issue in contemporary classrooms, inciting fervent discussions among parents, educators, and government representatives. Consequently, various regulatory measures have been established, with many considering the prohibition of these devices essential.

Fouzi Singon, Secretary-general of Malaysia’s National Union of the Teaching Profession, concurs that the dangers to students’ education surpass the advantages of utilizing devices.

“Even with the prohibition in effect, we still encounter instances of misuse – recording bullying incidents and other inappropriate occurrences.”

He further stated that at present, only a few selected schools are permitted to use tablets in classrooms, and solely for designated subjects.

A strong advocate for the prohibition is Siraj Jalil, president of the Malaysian Cyber Consumer Association, who expressed that permitting mobile phones in schools would cultivate an unhealthy environment of cyberbullying and the recording of inappropriate videos. He contends that this would undermine the core purpose of education, creating further difficulties for students and educators alike.

The main intention of such regulations is to safeguard students’ welfare and ensure a distraction-free educational atmosphere.

With the rise of online abuse and verbal mistreatment on social media, even Olympic champions are not exempt. These detrimental influences not only disrupt students’ focus but also impede their capacity to effectively engage with their studies and peers.

Form Six student Farihatul Ilikma Ibrahim affirmed that the prohibition encourages face-to-face interactions and enhances social abilities.

Moreover, it diminishes the chances of cheating during examinations. In urgent situations, students can utilize school telephones or request assistance from an educator, according to officials.

Educators and counselors advocate for minimizing screen time for students by promoting outdoor pursuits, sports, and family activities.

Additionally, Unesco’s “Put Learners First” initiative champions a worldwide prohibition on mobile phones in classrooms. Unesco’s suggestion for a global ban on mobile phones in classrooms derives from its evaluation of international education systems, which revealed that one in four nations has already enacted such prohibitions.

Studies indicate that these bans have contributed to reducing classroom disruptions, enhancing educational quality, and protecting against cyberbullying.