15/04/2026

WEDNESDAY | APR 15, 2026

6

‘Active parenting key to digital safety for children’

Malaysian scientist joins Nasa research programme KUALA LUMPUR: A 33-year-old Malaysian researcher has earned a place in one of the United States’ most forward-looking aviation research programmes, working alongside Nasa and the Georgia Institute of Technology on a project that could reshape urban air travel. Dr Raja Akif Raja Zahirudin, originally from Kerteh, Terengganu, currently serves as a postdoctoral fellow at Georgia Tech’s Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering. He is among the researchers contributing to the Nasa Raven-GT project, short for Research Aircraft for eVTOL Enabling Technologies, which explores electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, a new class of vehicles capable of operating like conventional planes while lifting off and touching down vertically. His specific research examines rotor performance and the aerodynamic interactions between aircraft components that influence thrust during take-off and landing phases, with the goal of producing more efficient and operationally viable eVTOL designs. Raja Akif said the technology holds significant promise as an urban transport alternative, offering quieter and cleaner short-distance travel in populated cities. He identified noise reduction and energy efficiency as the central engineering challenges, adding that public acceptance in built-up areas hinges on those factors. – Bernama

evolved from an option into an essential component of the modern learning environment, with platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X and WhatsApp serving as important sources of information and exposure. However, he emphasised that such exposure must be supervised, as parents play a critical role in monitoring their children’s online activities and helping them distinguish beneficial content from potential harm. Echoing the sentiment, Amira Azman, a 47-year-old mother of two said while regulations provide a necessary safety net, the ultimate moral and legal responsibility for a child’s online conduct rests with the parents. She said the evolving legal landscape has heightened parental anxiety, as guardians could now be held accountable for their children’s online behaviour. However, she added that constant monitoring is not entirely realistic as tech savvy children are often “three steps ahead”, making it necessary for parents to move from merely monitoring to actively mentoring. “A filter could block a website, but it cannot teach a child how to handle a predator who appears normal. “When my child encountered minor inappropriate content, I addressed it immediately by having a serious conversation and adjusting the settings.” She also said the situation is compounded by peer pressure for children to remain connected.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s plan to delay social media access for individuals under 16 in the second half of the year is a constructive step towards ensuring online safety for children. However, an expert said the move will be more effective when paired with active parental involvement. He believed that while managing children’s digital access through filters and screen time limits is vital, it also provides an opportunity for families to bond through shared digital experiences, Bernama reported. The approach encourages a transition from using devices as “digital babysitters” to a more rewarding role in which parents actively mentor their children, teaching them to navigate the online world with resilience. National Defence University of Malaysia Faculty of Defence Studies and Management counseling psychologist Prof Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzil Che Din said parental controls alone are insufficient, as effective protection requires a combination of technical barriers and robust supervision. He added that from a psychological o Effective protection requires technical barriers and robust supervision, says psychologist

perspective, form perceptions, both positive and negative, based on their online encounters and to shape these perceptions positively, parents must guide and educate them. He also said beyond the learning phase, the next crucial stage is building a child’s personality to ensure they grow into balanced and well-adjusted adults. “At the same time, motivation is crucial. Parents need to nurture and guide a child’s motivation so it aligns with their personal and family goals.” Mohamed Fadzil said social media has Mohamed Fadzil said parents need to nurture a child’s motivation so it aligns with their personal and family goals. – AI-GENERATED IMAGE BY SYED AZAHAR/THESUN children naturally

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