SHAH ALAM, April 27 — The state government will hold meetings with childcare centre operators on gadget use among children, said Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
He added that these discussions would be important to address the increasingly concerning “gadget syndrome” among children and students.
“We saw the need for discussions with care centres to address gadget addiction, because there are some operators using (devices) to calm children down.
“Not just at care centres, but there are parents who cannot hold back and calm their child who are aggressive (by) giving them gadgets.
“This matter requires comprehensive action, and (state executive councillor for women empowerment and welfare) Anfaal Saari will look into it and put it in the care economy framework,” he said when answering a supplementary question by Batang Kali assemblyman Muhaimin Harith Abdullah Sani on gadget syndrome among children, during the Selangor State Legislative Assembly sitting there today.
Previously, Amirudin said the state government is in continuous cooperation with various parties including the Education Ministry (MOE) and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to address gadget syndrome with targeted initiatives.
“Among them are the Safe Internet Campaign in Selangor, aimed at bringing awareness on safe use. Last year alone, (it was conducted in) 811 national schools and 100 Chinese national schools.
“For this year we are aiming for 133 schools in every district to join this programme. Internet use isn’t wrong, but what must be emphasised is safe methods of use,” Amirudin said.
