Instagram has launched a Parents Guide to Instagram in Malaysia today. It’s to provide parents with a better understanding of the features that exist to keep their children safe and ensure a positive experience on the platform, as well as guidance on starting conversations at home around safety and well-being. The Guide is available in English and Malay.
The Parents Guide is a new resource in the form of an online booklet, launched in conjunction with the continuation of Instagram’s #RealTalk campaign, which is an initiative introduced in November last year to normalise conversations around mental well-being amongst youth.
The campaign saw assurance from teens on how they want to converse around the topic and find support from the people around the. As a response, Instagram decided to extend the campaign by adding an additional partner which are parents.
The Parents Guide is produced together with MIASA Malaysia, an NGO which advocates measures to protect emotional and mental wellness. It aims to empower and equip parents to kick start conversations they need to support the well-being of their children, especially through difficult times. The link to The Guide is available for free on MIASA as well as on Instagram Parents’ site soon.
“We believe that parents play a key role in destigmatising mental well-being amongst teens. With the Covid-19 pandemic demanding a need for physical distancing, children and their families are turning to digital solutions for learning, socialisation and play.
We want to support and encourage parents to have conversations with their children to support their mental well-being and overall online safety,” said Philip Chua, Head of Instagram Public Policy, APAC.
A survey conducted by World Vision found 19% of children have experienced severe stress and 5% have experienced mental illness during lockdown. According to MIASA, the children were unable to undergo any therapy because of parental consent. Parents are also unaware to recognise and respond to the signs given hence not extending help.
The campaign kick-started with a panel discussion on “Parents Helping Teens Build A Positive Experience Online”, featuring Philip and Anita Abu Bakar, President of Mental Illness Awareness and Support Association MIASA, well-known artist and UNICEF National Ambassador, Lisa Surihani and celebrity, entrepreneur and doting father of three, Aaron Aziz.
To expand the engagement with the parents, #RealTalk campaign has also raised with Les’ Copaque, the producer of the popular and well-loved children animated series Upin & Ipin, to share information and awareness to both parents and children on online safety and tools available to foster a positive experience online.
Instagram also has connected with community groups on Facebook to extend the Parents Guide and useful information, reaching out to parents and driving community level engagements. The groups are Positive Parenting by Malaysian Paediatric Association and Better Dads Malaysia.
