Throw a stone and if it lands on a group of youths, chances are that almost 90% of them would be hooked onto their mobile gadgets. Not just youths, but adults are guilty of this habit as well. How long do our kids spend before their gadgets, surfing through the internet? What content do they come across and consume via online platforms? How much privacy should we allow our kids to possess with regard to their online activities?
These questions were always relevant. But, recently there has been an added emphasis on them. Why? A few days back, a 16-year-old Singaporean boy was detained by authorities for planning a terrorist attack!
Who would have seen that coming? This incident is a reality check for all of us. It shows us that civil society and the family have to step up and take a more vigilant approach towards addressing issues such as those of radicalization of youth.
How safe are our online spaces?
The safety of online spaces becomes critical in this era as the number of internet users skyrockets across age groups. Children and teenagers are the two most vulnerable groups of internet users. Terrorist and extremist elements are utilizing the reach of the internet and its related platforms to radicalize youth across the globe and channel their energies towards inhumane and anti-social activities. The ISIS recruiting members from across the globe and instigating terror attacks by radicalizing people from different corners of the world is the most visible example of this disturbing trend.
Thus, the online spaces and social media that offer us immense benefits also end up posing significant threats to our kids and youngsters concerning terrorism.
Is it solely the internet?
So, the internet is the sole villain in this story, right? Well, things are seldom as simple as that. Yes, the internet is being used as a medium for radicalization. But to put the blame solely on it would be unfair and far from the reality. With proper parenting and a proactive societal response, radicalization whether it is through the online medium or offline, can be combated effectively.
Parents are the most important link here. There is a great deal that you can do to keep your kids safe from radicalization.
Establishing lines of contact
The most dangerous situation is when you do not know what is happening in your child’s life as he is growing up. To keep up with what is going on in their child’s life, parents should be able to converse freely with their children. Kids must feel that they can discuss anything with their parents. Such a condition will allow parents to understand more clearly about the online content or other things that their kids are coming into contact with and spot any early signs of radicalization.
Watch out for the signs
Withdrawing to oneself, a sudden urge to spend time alone, getting infuriated on short notice while discussing certain topics, etc are some of the signs that point towards the influences of radicalization. An excessively secret online activity should also be seen as a warning sign. Parents must be aware of this and be on constant vigil to spot these and address them early on. Certain online monitoring systems must be put in place without excessively infringing on privacy.
Responding in the right manner
What do you think would be the fall-out if all of a sudden you clamped down on your children with severe restrictions on their online activity and usage of gadgets. More often than not, this can only increase the risk of threats. Unreasonable and arbitrary restrictions will only lead to more kids going behind the backs of their parents to access the internet and related content. Harsh restrictions will ultimately lead to a state where parents can end up being clueless as to the online activity of their kids.
The response should thus be calibrated and reasonable. Children should be taken into confidence. Parents must take the time and effort to sit their kids down and explain to them the threats that they can be exposed to via the internet.
Active discussion must be promoted within the house regarding the threats of terrorism. The false narratives peddled by extremists must be exposed before children and they must be shown the reality within the household itself.
Schools and the community
Schools can play a pivotal role. The threat of radicalization is more prominent among kids who get excluded or remain withdrawn. Schools should focus on ensuring inclusivity on campus. Active discussions on diversity and activities aimed at enhancing sentiments of social harmony among students must be conducted on a more frequent basis.
Religious and community leaders have an important role as well. We need such individuals to promote and advertise the beauty of diversity and campaign constantly against extremism.
Identities of different hues make our society vibrant and exciting. Singapore is the best example of how unity in diversity can lead to beautiful outcomes of development and happiness. We must preserve this rich and commendable Singaporean legacy by ensuring that our younger generations gain the right values. Social cohesion, here we come! 🙂
Exam Smart Tips
Exam Smart Tip #1 – How to Encourage Our Kids to Speak Better?
Exam Smart Tip #2 – How to avoid carelessness?
Exam Smart Tip #3 – Establishing Routines!
Exam Smart Tip #4 – Let’s Read Carefully!
Exam Smart Tip #5 – Beating the Exam Fever!
Exam Smart Tip #6 – How to Eat Right for the Exams?
Exam Smart Tip #7 – How to Avoid a Meltdown?
Exam Smart Tip #8 – Taking Stress out of Tests
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