HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 4 December 2023 - Latest Google survey revealed parents’ concerns and changing behaviours when it comes to safeguarding children’s safety online. In Hong Kong, over 8 out of 10 (82.6%) children spend 1 to 6 hours per day online, following Malaysia (83.8%) and India (82.8%) - the third-highest across 12 markets in Asia Pacific. With digital technology and internet continue to blend in children’s everyday life, 72.4% of parents in Hong Kong are confident in engaging their child on the topic of online safety, yet over half (52.8%) of them expressed that it is difficult to find age-appropriate, easy-to-understand examples to discuss online safety with the kids. Recognition Ceremony cum Fun Day celebrated joint effort between Google Hong Kong and HKCSS’s WebOrganic on promoting online safety, officiated by LegCo member and government body Realising the shared vision of promoting media literacy and online safety awareness among local children and youths and their parents, Google Hong Kong have teamed up with The Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS)’s WebOrganic on the “Be a Smarter Digital Citizen” programme. Leveraging Google resources and tools, WebOrganic held talks with 300 parents and children in Hong Kong on how to talk about online safety with children, with topics ranging from identifying internet scams, fake news and the optimal methods to prevent online frauds since February 2023, marking the Safer Internet Day. The programme also engaged with 1,000 students through WebOrganic’s school network, targeting to reach 3,000 in December after school examinations, through a series of videos (Primary & Secondary School Groups) developed with the support of Google.org, followed by completing worksheets and discussions to ensure they well understand the crucial concept of online safety. Kingsley Wong, Deputy Government Chief Information Officer of the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO), said as he officiated at the Safer Internet Day 2023 – “Be a Smarter Digital Citizen” Recognition Ceremony cum Fun Day on Saturday, December 2: “The OGCIO has been working closely with various stakeholders to raise public awareness on cyber security through various promotional activities, including producing leaflets and radio announcements on different themes, organising seminars and competitions, and holding seminars in schools and different organisations, with a view to assist them to protect themselves in the digital world. In addition, the Government has provided a wide range of online resources with tips and techniques on defending against cyber-attacks, frauds and cyber-bullying through various channels, including the Cyber Security Information Portal and the InfoSec of the OGCIO, thereby helping the public recognise frauds and online traps.” Joyce Lai, Assistant Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (Corporate Communications and Compliance) at the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD), said at the same event: “The ‘Be a Smarter Digital Citizen’ programme aims to empower children, youths and their families with knowledge about online safety amidst the rapid technological advancement in our society. This is very much in line with one of the key focuses of the PCPD this year - Protecting Personal Data Privacy for a Smart Hong Kong.” The Hon Duncan Chiu, Legislative Council Member, Technology & Innovation Constituency, officiated the same event and remarked: “Organisations such as the HKCSS are well positioned to connect members of the public and provide resources to enhance Hong Kongers’ digital literacy as they increasingly use digital applications in daily life. ” Michael Yue, General Manager, Sales & Operations, Google Hong Kong, remarked at the opening of the event: “Every day, billions of people rely on Google products and services to find information and stay connected. We’re committed to building a safer internet, and everything we do...