Staying 'On' for Online Security

The writer believes that a beautiful camaraderie
 makes life a wonderful journey.

          It is challenging for parents to control their children’s internet use. The fact that the Internet is useful and harmful for children leaves parents in a dilemma as despite supervision, reminders and house rules, some children, when it comes to feeding their curiosity and getting what they want, break the rules to satisfy their needs. Some children may be innocent, obedient and trustworthy, but with the lure of the Internet, many are easily influenced. In this situation, parents need to realise that children can be naughtier and smarter than they thought.

The popularity of local and international dramas, movies and novels that focus on adult genres, including romance, relationships and marriage, influences children and teenagers who watch them. These hobbies, which are beneficial if the right movies and books are selected to develop children’s critical and positive thinking, and teach them lessons in life, make children eager to experience adults lives. Consequently, schoolchildren become excited when they are approached by strangers on the Internet.

The growing interest in watching dramas on television and reading teen novels should be viewed cautiously. Chances are this habit will lead to negative effects. Some schoolchildren would rather postpone their homework unless they have finished watching drama episodes or reading the final chapters of a romance novel. Their infatuation with fictional characters is so strong that it encourages them to treat online strangers openly without being suspicious of their intentions.

We can save children from becoming victims of exploitative individuals on the Internet. For example, Information and communications technology teachers should explain the good and bad effects of the Internet. These students should be reminded not to disclose their identity and personal information as well as not to form a close online relationships with strangers.  Parents should be mindful of their children’s activities and avoid thinking that their teenage offspring are mature enough to decide for themselves. 

Courtesy of New Sunday Times

21 June 2015

FATHERS DAY (Joy of Being a Father Figure to Students)

The writer believes that a beautiful camaraderie
 makes life a wonderful journey. 

           Men are likely to develop a fatherly feeling most possibly after they are blessed with their first newborn, but there is a different kind of fatherhood.  

            I used to be the only male hostel warden for four years in two different schools and the experience of taking care of hundreds of teenagers has made me a father of many children.  

            Having to work shifts, including on weekends, public holidays and school holidays, it is not surprising that many are not willing to take on this job. When I first became a warden, I found the job torturous and unworthy, but, with time, I learned to manage my stress better as I began to believe in the silver lining behind every cloud. Instead of thinking that I was a teacher who was forced to juggle heavy workloads at school and at the hostel, I decided to view my additional responsibilities in my teaching career positively for the sake of retaining a healthy work-life balance.

           When it comes to dealing with underprivileged students with myriad personalities and attitudes, a warden needs to have courage, determination, patience, endurance and, most importantly, effective strategies and techniques for the betterment of the students.

The children’s well-being had always been my concern. It was exhausting and tedious to supervise them daily but that was what made our chemistry grow stronger.

Teenagers love fun and entertainment. This explains why an occasional movie treat is necessary to give occupants a break from studies and help them experience an enjoyable hostel life. I believe this activity had helped the students and I forge a close relationship as we spent the quality time together as one big family, and the fact that some students were able to explain the lessons learnt from the movie proved that the session was an effective way to develop children’s creative, critical and reflective thinking.

Since good motivation is what makes children strive and succeed, my hostel had invited professional speakers to carry out motivational talks on various topics, including education, religion, health and safety. In fact, we were honoured to have New Sunday Times columnist, Dr Koh Soo Ling, who came all the way from Ireland as a speaker during the Teachers Day celebration two years ago. My students were inspired and enlightened with Koh’s friendly approach, as she touched on the topics of studying abroad and achieving dreams.

Dealing with children’s misbehavior at the hostel is inevitable. But, it is important for wardens to handle the situation carefully and wisely. I had sharing sessions with many offenders. When we listen to their explanation and do not blatantly blame them for their mistakes, we will be able to identify the root causes that will help us solve problems efficiently. Likewise, effective communication between a parent and a child can make all the difference.

I am glad that my four years of blood, sweat and tears had paid off. 

Happy Fathers Day to all gentlemen who carry out their parental duty wholeheartedly and love their children unconditionally. 

Courtesy of New Straits Times

18 June 2015

HEALTH (We Can 'Rice' Up Against Tainted Food)

            Important criteria that make good entrepreneurs include their ability to set targets, take risks, follow principles, create creative strategies and practise good business etiquette. However, some businessmen have their own definition, understanding and interpretation of these criteria, which make a business not mutually beneficial to dealers and customers, as the businessmen focus more on profit and personal satisfaction. 

             These people use dirty tricks to make money, as in the case of tainted rice suspected to be produced by an Asian country. The rice is believed to be made of plastic and dangerous to health. The situation, fortunately, is under control but that should not make us nonchalant customers who depend on the authorities to take care of our safety. It goes without saying that everyone has an individual responsibility.

            When it comes to goods and foods, especially those that are imported, it is important for the items to go through strict procedures before they are distributed and ready to be sold to consumers. This process will ensure that customers are happy with the products, be they local or international.

            However, as wise customers, we should act immediately if we are suspicious about the quality of products we buy. Chances are, the products are not safe. When this happens, customers should lodge complaints with the authorities. This should be immediately as our report may save lives.

            The authorities should provide the public with guidelines and procedures for lodging complaints, should there be something wrong with the products. This initiative is necessary to avoid panic. Campaigns can be carried out to inform people about health awareness and customers' rights. This way, the public can make wise decisions when buying products, and they would know what to do if they face problems after buying them.

            Regardless of who we are – young or old, rich or poor, male or female – we need to be wise when buying food, because our health deserves our care.   

Courtesy of New Sunday Times,

14 June 2015