Plan International Myanmar is proud to announce the launch of an Online Safety Campaign, named “Be Kind Online!” in partnership with Telenor Myanmar. 

This campaign comes in the midst of increased violence and risks for children and youth with an aim to amplify youth voices promoting positive online behaviours. It will address issues of cyberbullying, hate speech, cyber grooming, sexting, fake news, and more thorough targeted digital resilience training. This 55-day campaign will begin on 19 June, Stop Cyber Bullying Day and end on 12 August, International Youth Day.

Plan International Myanmar’s Country Director (Mr.) Kelland Stevenson said, “In the current pandemic situation, our interactions in public spaces are becoming increasingly limited. Many young people are turning to online platforms in order to stay connected. It is now more important than ever to ensure that children and youth are able to use the internet safety. 

“They need to know how to protect themselves and how to seek help when exposed to online risks while remaining digitally resilient withstanding adversities. We are very proud to launch this online safety campaign with Telenor to help young leaders in achieving the goal of freedom from harassment and exploitation online for themselves.”

With schools closed and the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to disrupt daily life, a large percentage of Myanmar youth utilise social media daily for learning and entertainment. Few, especially young boys and girls, are aware of the risks they can encounter online and know what they do when exposed to online risks such as cyberbullying. 

Youth leaders will be at the forefront of this campaign as it creates a safer digital space for Myanmar’s youth, promotes positive online behaviours, and provides youth with the resources to address and cope with negative online behaviours. In addition, it will promote positive attitudes, values and behaviours among children and young people while promoting productive uses of the internet in support of the country’s social cohesion and development efforts. 

This initiative will directly reach 700,000 middle and high school students across 8 Myanmar regions and thousands more through social media.

Jon Omund Rehang, CEO of Telenor Myanmar said, “Creating a safer digital space for children and youth, and especially for young women and girls, is one of Telenor Myanmar’s social impact goals. 

“We believe mobile and digital communication is and should be for everyone. This has become even more critical as the world has been fighting a pandemic. Access to connectivity means staying safe, connected and empowered. 

“To use the internet safely and productively is an important skill in all societies. We hope that this targeted digital resilience training will promote positive online behaviours, systematic reporting of any inappropriate or illegal contents and provide opportunities for the youth to stay connected safely.”