Towards a Digital Bangladesh through safe internet use

Names like Uber, Airbnb, Viber and Instagram may sound alien to many people of the older generation, but these are some of the largest service providers in an ever-enlarging digital world. The pace of technological progress in the modern era outmatches that of any other. The meteoric pace of technological evolution never ceases to amaze, as it introduces newer conveniences in our daily lives. Today's global citizens are more tech-savvy and more adaptive to change than their predecessors ever were. Not only do they crave new ways of leading more convenient and connected lives, they demand it.

Probably the most important invention of the modern era, from which stems a bulk of the tech-based comforts that we now take for granted, is a platform called the internet. It is the internet that, over the last two decades, has transformed isolated inhabitants of separate geographical regions into well-connected global citizens. Barriers physically dividing people dissolve in the virtual world. The internet has enabled people around the globe to instantly share ideas and information with each other, a process made dramatically easier by the rise of social media over the last decade. Information belonging to any category imaginable is now accessible by anyone through only a few clicks, or taps if one prefers smartphones.

Regardless of classifications by age, income, or geography, citizens of the modern world continue being ever-more dependent on the internet because of the unlimited amount of resources that can satisfy almost all of their needs. For example, social media platforms like Facebook, Whatsapp, Instagram, Viber, LinkedIn and the like help people to stay interconnected, irrespective of distance. Sites like Wikipedia address almost all information needs, those like Quora allow users to find answers to each other's questions, while initiatives like Khan Academy make learning infinitely more convenient. How could one forget path-breaking online services like Paypal, Uber, and Amazon? Education and training imparted by institutions are becoming more internet-centric every day, while a modern professional can hardly imagine a day without having to go online. From people living in some of the remotest parts of the world to those residing in primetime global hubs -- the internet has a generous amount of useful resources and ways of staying globally connected for everyone.

While the internet has helped bring about an unprecedented positive transformation in global lifestyle, irresponsible use of the platform has sometimes brought on hazards on an individual, social, and global scale. Let us take a look from the perspective of a family, which is the root of a larger society.

Our children hold the key to our future, and how we support their growth largely determines our collective fate. Telenor predicts that half a billion children will go online in the emerging Asian economies alone over the next decade, while a staggering 100 million children will go online in Telenor's six Asian markets by 2017. This, in essence, is exceptionally good news. The internet can be a child's best tool for learning. There is an abundance of interactive and informative educational resources that can enhance a child's perspective and knowledge on not only specific subjects, but also about the world at large. Moreover, social media allows children to stay connected and exchange ideas with peers, teachers, and educators. In brief, if used properly, the internet helps children become highly competent global citizens.

However, the above benefits can be effectively reaped only if children are taught how to use the internet safely and responsibly. Irresponsible and inappropriate use of the internet, like access to improper and explicit content, can severely hamper a child's healthy growth. How do we, as parents and guardians, deal with this risk?

Let us first look at the backdrop. Perhaps the most popular buzzword in the world of information technology is 'innovation'. It is innovation that has propelled the advancement of civilisation through the centuries. Modern-day technology like the internet has catalysed the pace of this innovation-driven progress. However, as we often fail to realise, innovation pervades every aspect of our life, because how we lead our lives and how we interact with our surroundings can always be fine-tuned. This is a reality that I acknowledge not only as a professional, but also, and, more importantly, as a parent. I recognise that since the company where I serve as CEO is at the forefront of taking internet to every doorstep of Bangladesh, I as a parent too have the foremost responsibility of setting an example on how to effectively encourage my children to use the platform safely.

Grameenphone's countrywide campaign to promote safe internet use, for example, has focused on some key areas in this regard. Prominent among those are building awareness among children around the benefits of responsible use (as well as the hazards of inappropriate use) of the tool through effective communication. To ultimately do that, parents and guardians need a friendly and open relationship with their children, where the children can comfortably communicate with them about anything. This is especially important because it is never fully possible, nor is it right, for parents or guardians to monitor their ward's activities round the clock. Parents should encourage children to use the internet at specific times of the day, for a fixed period of time. Setting age limits, appropriate security measures, and filters on internet-access devices also go a long way. Keeping a check on browser history also helps keep track of a child's activities on the internet. Children should always be encouraged to log out of any online account after they are done using them.

The most important part is maintaining a smooth line of communication with children. Every child is different, which is why it is important to be 'innovative' as a parent to understand your child, and know how to help them come to comfortable, friendly terms with you. It should be mentioned that as a parent we too must know how the internet works, so that we can not only enjoy its benefits ourselves, but also educate our children about responsible use of the tool.

As a professional working in the country's leading digital services provider, I try to abide by these principles of staying safe online, so that we, alongside, our children can reap the maximum benefits of the internet without falling prey to any of its hazards. The dream of a technologically enriched 'Digital Bangladesh' can be made a reality only when we develop collective awareness through education, and take the necessary responsible action to build towards that ambition.

Keeping all these in mind, Grameenphone, like all other Telenor companies around the world, is observing Customer First Day today. My colleagues will be visiting different customers locations with the message "Be Smart, Use Heart," disseminating knowledge regarding how to remain safe on the internet both for the children and their parents. We believe that the informed parents, teachers and children will be more equipped to cope with the challenges and use the internet to its greatest potential.

The writer is the chief executive officer of Grameenphone Ltd.