Protecting your online presence has become critically important as technology evolves and expands, and it not only relies on cyber security applications to do so, but also an awareness of the do’s and don’ts of simple internet usage.
In his effort to raise awareness, father, educator, "digital guru" and pundit Shiva Maharaj has for over 15 years undertaken the task of promoting safe internet use for all age groups, especially children, that he interacts with personally and professionally.
Maharaj, the owner of ICT Expertz Ltd, spoke with Business Day on Tuesday, Safer Internet Day (SID), about the negatives and positives that the world wide web and technology have on society.
SID was introduced in 2004 by the EU SafeBorders project and to date transcends in over 180 countries.
In Trinidad and Tobago, the local arm is spearheaded by Maharaj and his company which has also been promoting National Cyber Security Awareness month and Data Privacy Day.
SID was observed globally on February 8, and its theme was "together for a better internet" with an objective to have all stakeholders collaborate for a safer internet for all, especially children and young people.
Maharaj, who is also a primary school teacher at the El Dorado North Hindu Primary, and a lecturer at the University of TT for the master's programme in educational technology, said management of time online was critical for positive development and to prevent online addiction in children.
[caption id="attachment_938967" align="alignnone" width="683"] 'Digital guru' Pundit Shiva Maharaj. Photo courtesy Pundit Shiva Maharaj -[/caption]
His concern stemmed from the shift to online classrooms owing the covid19 pandemic which forced the shutdown of physical schooling for almost two years. On Monday, forms 1-3 students returned to physical classrooms on a rotational basis, and forms 4-6 students physically attended school from February to July and October to December in 2021, and are doing so in the first term of 2022.
“It is not just about using it properly but knowing how to balance the time spent online and when to log off so that they do not become addicted. There should be set times for school, entertainment, and outdoor recreational activities.
“Adults tend to use the internet as a type of babysitter and while I understand how hectic parenting can be, prolonged online use for a developing mind has its disadvantages.”
He said striking a balance for both parents and children required awareness of the negative and positive outcomes of the internet and suggested that both parties enter a technology contract within their household.
Maharaj explained, “A technology contract where the parents sit with their children and discuss what are some of the uses they are allowed technology for, and together they come up with punishments for any breaches. It is an open and healthy discussion with the child to encourage responsible behaviour.”
He said parents as well as teachers need to also be aware of the various options afforded by their service pro
