Bangkok August 30th, 2023 – According to the research of ECPAT, International Police Association and UNICEF, it was reported that in 2022, there were over 400,000 children in Thailand at the aged of 12-17 years old were victims of grave instances of online sexual exploitation and abuse in the past year alone. Based on the sample group of student Grade 4-6 under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) that True Corporation Plc collected data this year, it is found that over 93% of students have their own private Social Media accounts. Of which, 89% have been applied by themselves and 84% used internet for online games while over 60% of this group of students used to chat with strangers and met via online game. Therefore, to create a protection shield for young generations that continuously consume ICT from cyber threat, True Corporation has collaborated with BMA to pursue “BMA x True Safe Internet” project for the 2nd consecutive year with on-hands courses for over 19,000 teachers and students in 50 schools throughout Bangkok.
Mr. Sanon Wangsrangboon, Deputy Governor of BMA said that “One of the core educational challenges for youth in this generation is the increasing time in social media with addiction in mobile phone. Currently, despite the restrictions and installed system to prevent access among youth to inappropriate websites, various contents on the internet still are reachable. Therefore, the heart of this is to build immune among students, teachers and parents in which BMA x True Safe Internet project has an objective to increase the protection shield for youth with creative activities and fun interesting content that is accessible to young generation. Currently, cyber threats have come in many forms and scammers constantly have new updated methods. Therefore, this project is believed to bring knowledge and experiences to further share to the city and the society.”
Mr. Chakkrit Urairat, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, True Corporation Plc said that “True Corporation is very delighted to collaborate with BMA on this “BMA x True Safe Internet” project for the 2nd year as part of True Cyber Care in which the company has continuously conducted with the combined potential of True and dtac in becoming leading telecom-tech company, aiming to elevate educations in the digital era, driving the internet society with creativity and telecommunication safety to avoid anyone to fall victim to scammers. This is aligned with our sustainable organization target in creating a digital society for all or reaching 36 million people for Digital Inclusion within 2030 by focusing on youth to learn and develop their potentials in every dimension as the future force of the country.”
This year, the project is filled with activities including School Tour to meet with youth and students along with an intense academic course on “Luring Youth in the Online World”, educating on personal data privacy and online privacy, distinguishing between real and fake news, noticing the trick of scammers, particularly those who seek sexual advances online, money scam and protection plus request for assistance when faced people with bad intention. Moreover, a course “Understanding Online World” from True Plookpanya is offered this year to prevent cyber threat including how to set a password as well as form and punishment of Cyberbullying, nearby social media threat, internet law and fake news.
Moreover, Internet Foundation for the Development of Thailand and Peace Culture Foundation have supported “Enough..Grooming” course for teachers to be more educated, upskill and effectively communicate with children to ensure children are cautious and self-protective from online grooming. Another hi-light activity is a debate under the topic “Battle for Better” that will be held in October 2023, a stage for youth to show their energy, ideas and perspectives on technology moral and freedom rights that everyone would be impressed.
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