Teach Safe Tech Use Instead of Fearing It: State Minister Bobi Hajjaj

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobi Hajjaj has remarked that the next generation must be nurtured through safe, responsible, and positive use of technology rather than fearing digital advances. He stated that technological progress cannot be stopped; hence, children and adolescents should be prepared for the future by teaching them correct usage rather than keeping them away from technology.

He made these remarks as the chief guest at an event titled 'Digital Gender Norms: National Learning and Experience Sharing', organized by BBC Media Action at Hotel Lakeshore in Gulshan, Dhaka.

The State Minister noted that during the July 2024 mass uprising, attempts were made to suppress the public's voice by shutting down the internet, but it failed. Instead, that experience proved that digital platforms are now an integral part of society, the state, and civic life. Therefore, building the capability to use technology correctly is crucial rather than denying it.

He further stated that there is currently a clear mismatch between technological developments and conventional social and cultural values. To bridge this gap, education, families, society, and the state must work together. It is essential to train children and teens in safe digital behavior, fact-checking, and online ethics.

Bobi Hajjaj highlighted that fake photos, deepfake videos, character assassination, and digital harassment on social media have reached alarming levels. Women, teenage girls, and female politicians are the primary victims. Implementing effective laws and policies to ensure accountability on digital platforms and protect women and children is a demand of the time.

He stated that the government's goal is not to create unreasonable barriers to technology use, but rather to establish a balance between freedom and security. He expressed the view that effective regulation is necessary in certain contexts to protect women and children in current social realities.

The State Minister added that the government is incorporating value-based education, digital safety, life skills, gender sensitivity, and civic values into the new curriculum for primary education. Coordinated efforts are underway with local and foreign experts as well as development partners, including UNESCO.

He revealed plans to introduce interactive digital systems in classrooms step by step, provide tabs for teachers, and eventually distribute learning-friendly digital devices to students under the tech-driven educational model.

Bobi Hajjaj emphasized that ensuring children's safe development is a responsibility of the entire society, not just parents. To this end, community engagement in primary schools is being increased. Guardian committees have already been formed to oversee school meal programs, with further initiatives underway to engage parents and local communities across the education sector.

Addressing development partners and NGOs, he stated that the government is ready to adopt and scale up any initiatives proven effective for students, noting that the ministry is operating under an open-door policy.

On women's empowerment, the State Minister remarked that establishing female leadership requires equal opportunities, rights, a safe environment, and confidence-building from childhood rather than just slogans, with educational institutions serving as the foundation for this transformation.

Representatives from BBC Media Action, teachers, students, and parents from Khulna and Savar, along with representatives from UN Women, Plan International, JAAGO Foundation, various NGOs, and media personnel, were present at the event.
//DBTech/MTM/SME//