Computer Associates Helps local NGO to Keep Kids Safe on the Internet

Computer Associates (M) Sdn Bhd ramped up efforts to help keep Malaysian kids safe on the Internet by donating software to the Malaysian Coalition for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse (MCPCSA) today. This software will enable parents to check their children’s access to unwholesome content, as well as monitor the sites they access while surfing the Internet.

The initiative is part of a worldwide outreach programme by Computer Associates’ to educate parents on the dangers their children face when they go online.

“The threats are not just all about inappropriate content, what is more worrying is the increase in sex crimes on our teenagers from people that they meet in chat rooms,” said Mr. Piti Pramotedham, Managing Director – Asia South. In a study done in the US in 2004, it is estimated that 75% of sex crimes involving 13-15 year olds originated from Internet chat rooms.

As for indecent content, it is estimated that 74% of sites with pornographic content masquerade as “innocent” or harmless sites, and can easily be called up by search engines. “At same time we have to balance our concerns, as we do not want to deprive kids of the benefits of the Internet,” Mr. Pramotedham added.

“Our donation of CA’s security solutions to MCPCSA is a step towards working with and helping local NGOs keep kids safe on the Internet,” Mr Pramothedham explained. “Technology however is just a tool that parents can use but is only a part of a much bigger picture. What is more important is that parents have to educate themselves and at the same time communicate with their children the dangers associated with the internet. Nothing is more important than continued communication with your children.”

En Sabri Rahman, Chairman of MCPCSA, who received Computer Associates’ contribution of anti spyware, antivirus and firewall solutions said, “This is the type of solution that we have been looking for. We will be distributing this software to those among our member NGOs and support groups who work with children and have need to ensure Internet safety. We shall look forward to an opportunity to work closely with Computer Associates to extend this initiative further.”

Computer Associates’ efforts in educating and promoting Internet safety for children in Malaysia will soon extend to a more extensive campaign targeted to increasing awareness amongst parents, as well as educating them on how to proactively safeguard their children from Internet threats that prey on unsuspecting and curious minds.