Facebook users in Emirates and the Arab world reached over 45 million as of end June 2012
Within less than two
decades, social media has revolutionised the way people interact with each
other. ICDL GCC Foundation, an organisation that promotes digital skills and
cyber safety across the Gulf region, believes that while the technology is here
to stay, people must continue to exercise caution in sharing personal
information online so as to avert cyber threats.
Jamil Ezzo, Director General of ICDL GCC, said
the need to address online safety in using social networking is particularly
significant in the Gulf where smartphone and Internet penetration rates are
high, and children have access to mobile devices.
“Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn
and Tumblr are social media tools that have now become household names and
their influence as a communication channel continues to increase. In the Middle
East and North Africa, we recently saw how social networking sites can bridge
communication gap. However, we must remember that despite being effective
vehicles of social interaction, social media can also be abused and exploited
by people with malicious intent,” said Ezzo.
According to the Arab Social Media Report
published by the Dubai School of Government, Facebook usage in the Arab world
has almost tripled in the last two years to reach over 45 million as of end
June 2012 – about 50 per cent higher than the 37.4 million recorded in January
of the same year. Out of the countries surveyed across the Middle East and
North Africa (MENA), those in the GCC posted the highest Facebook population in
the region.
The report also noted that youth (those between
the ages of 15 and 29) represent the majority or 70 per cent of Facebook users
in the region, a number that has been holding steady since April 2011.
Ezzo said the figures point to a widening
adoption rate of social media technology among young people. Users, who are
often not aware of the security or privacy setting of various social networking
sites, are more prone to fall victim to cyber-attacks.
“Facebook has undoubtedly been a major
game-changer in the social networking sphere. Globally it is reported to have
over one billion users. According to an independent survey, if Facebook was a
country, it would have the world’s third largest population, more than twice
the size of the United States,” Ezzo explained.
“This gives us an idea of how vast the social
media community is growing and how potentially dangerous it can be for young
users. However, parents can help their children use social websites more safely
by first talking to them about why they have to be cautious online, and how
they can protect themselves from cyber predators.”
Oftentimes, according to Ezzo, many children find
it difficult to distinguish between real life and virtual life. However they
use social media – whether to play games, interact with friends and family or
post videos and photos – they should understand that the Internet is full of billions
of people who can access their personal and private information with just a
click of a button.
In a bid to protect children from cyber threats
such as addiction, bullying and exploitation, ICDL GCC Foundation has partnered
with law enforcement agencies as well as educational and other concerned
government organizations across the GCC countries, to visit schools as part of
a campaign to raise awareness on the subject amongst teachers and parents.
“We encourage parents to talk to their children
about social networking. They can even make this a family affair. By being
their children’s ‘friends’ online, parents can monitor their activities and
list of friends while networking,” he said.
Most importantly, however, children should be
trained to be able to recognise potential threats or messages that make them
uncomfortable and to step up and call their parents attention whenever this
happens.
“Some of the information children post on their
social network pages, such as age, can make them vulnerable to scams and
cyber-attacks. Parents should also warn them against divulging personal
information to strangers and setting house rules, such as the length of time
one can use the Internet, can go a long way in securing your children from the
possible dangers of social media,” he commented. Ezzo concluded “Internet and
handheld devices have removed all geographic boundaries and conventional
discipline. By giving our children unrestricted access to the world for good
intention, we are also exposing them to the world’s lures and dangers. Hence,
protecting them from being exploited is an individual and institutional
responsibility by raising awareness among them on the responsible and safe use
of technology.
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