Bantul officials urge digital literacy as parenting experts advise specific safety instructions

In Bantul, local officials are encouraging students to use social media more wisely and productively. Jumakir, Chairman of Commission A of the Bantul Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), emphasized that middle and high school students need to develop digital literacy to avoid being mere spectators of information. He suggested that digital platforms should be used for creativity and economic opportunities rather than just entertainment.

Separately, parenting experts suggest that frequently telling children to ‘be careful’ may be ineffective and potentially harmful. Because the term is often too vague, children may not understand specific risks or necessary actions. Overusing the phrase can also trigger anxiety in children or cause them to lose interest in the warning altogether. Experts recommend replacing general warnings with specific, situational instructions to better teach safety.