GEORGE TOWN – An education researcher has called on the government to introduce digital citizenship as a subject for school students to prevent themselves from spiralling into cybercrime, depression and psychological trauma due to the effect of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0)
International Institute for Higher Education Research and Capacity Building associate professor and deputy director Dr Mousumi Mukherjee said that digital citizenship is necessary due to the negative effects of IR4.0.
Speaking during Penang’s first International Youth Conference 2021 held online today, Mukherjee said digital citizenship education would enable students to become good digital citizens by conducting themselves rightfully within the borderless online sphere.
The conference was organised by the state government and Penang Youth Development Corporation.
“For IR4.0, we need to think of it in a broader framework, not just limited to international borders. The digital space is global, not bounded by any country, nation or state.
“Digital citizenship education will make communities better and help users recognise the validity of online sources,” she said.
As the pandemic has accelerated and broadened the use of the internet to involve preschoolers, Mukherjee said that users must be educated to protect private information for themselves and others, respect themselves and others, stand up to cyberbullying, and respect copyright and intellectual property, among others.
Talks on digital citizenship are currently a hot topic among education experts around the world.
A framework on how to teach digital citizenship has been created by the Digital Quotient Institute in Singapore, which consists of a consortium of several global organisations and corporations.
Mukherjee urged governments to provide these kinds of education and resources through technology, resources, training and space to support digital citizenship education.
In its inaugural youth conference, the event attracted 480 participants from 18 countries, all coming together to share papers, ideas and findings on the role of youth in IR4.0.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said conferences like these will give youth and government agencies an international perspective as the nation moves forward.
“Penang youths will need to catch up so that they are not left behind.
“We need to be proactive, gain new knowledge and continuously upskill ourselves to improve.
“It is not just about self-development but how to land jobs through job interviews and become young talents that are much needed by industries.
“We are thinking about the future of our youth, and with the onslaught of IR4.0, the youth will determine where Penang will stand in 10 to 20 years time.
“They will be the most impacted and that is why we have to look at how they can adapt and adopt the necessary skill sets for IR4.0,” he said.
Titled “The Role of Youth in the Era of Industry 4.0”, the conference serves as a platform to enhance interaction and engagement among the youths in Malaysia and abroad. – The Vibes, November 13, 2021
