In the wake of recent political shifts, the country’s law and order has taken a significant hit, with law enforcement agencies struggling to regain their full effectiveness and criminals taking advantage of the situation.
News reports frequently highlight occurrences of murder, robbery, abduction, and sexual violence. Experts in criminology say a lack of justice fuels crime, which may be contributing to the recent rise in criminal activities. Meanwhile, expecting law enforcement to recover overnight is unrealistic. In this scenario, awareness and caution are essential for personal safety.
In the age of smartphones and high-speed internet, the line between the real world and the digital one is blurring at an alarming rate. For many parents, the online universe their children inhabit remains a mystery -- one they assume is harmless. But recent events in Bangladesh paint a troubling picture: The internet is not just a playground; it is a hunting ground.
Children are increasingly falling into danger due to online traps. A prime example is the recent recovery of a teenage girl's body from Hatirjheel in the capital. She was a victim of gang rape.
Initial reports suggest that the eighth-grade student met a young man online. The man then tricked her into going to a flat in Mohakhali, where he and his accomplices raped and murdered her.
On the same day the girl's body was recovered, another incident caused a nationwide stir: A sixth-grade student from a school in Barisal, who had been staying at a relative's house in Mohammadpur, Dhaka, for her mother's medical treatment, went missing.
Fortunately, nothing bad happened to her. Police rescued her from Naogaon two days later. It is understood that she had run away with her “boyfriend,” whom she had met online.
Both cases share a common factor -- online connections. These incidents have reignited concerns over children’s safety on the internet, and experts emphasize that parental vigilance can significantly reduce the risk of such dangers.
Constant monitoring is neither practical nor effective. The most powerful approach is building a trusting and open parent-child relationship
In today’s digital age, keeping children completely away from the internet, computers, or mobile phones is nearly impossible. Moreover, a total ban could backfire.
Awareness remains key. Parents must stay vigilant about what their children are doing online -- what they are watching, whom they are talking to, and which platforms they are using. However, constant monitoring is neither practical nor effective. The most powerful approach is building a trusting and open parent-child relationship.
Children should feel comfortable sharing their experiences with parents without fear, so creating a family culture that encourages open communication is essential. Despite busy schedules, parents should make time for conversations, check in on their children’s activities, and help them understand potential risks.
Leading by example is also crucial -- limiting personal screen time can set a strong precedent. Parents should educate their children about online dangers, from cyberbullying to scams, but without exerting excessive pressure, which could push them further away. A balance of friendliness and strategic guidance is necessary.
A recent study found that nearly 70% of parents are unaware that their children search for explicit or illegal content online. Experts warn that many young users are vulnerable to cyberbullying, fraud, drug-related activities, and other harmful influences.
Additionally, a survey by Ain o Salish Kendra revealed that over 36% of young girls have experienced sexual harassment online.
To mitigate risks, parents can use parental controls to monitor online activity and protect children from cyber threats. However, if a child makes a mistake or strays in the wrong direction, punitive measures may not be the best response. Instead, patient guidance, repeated warnings, and opportunities for correction can be more effective in preventing future missteps.
At the heart of this approach is "good parenting." There are numerous books and expert resources available on this topic, and seeking professional advice can be beneficial.
Marouf Kholifa is a sub-editor, Dhaka Tribune.