TheJakartaPost

Please Update your browser

Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.

Jakarta Post

Between 'Roblox', radicalism and AI: Parenting in the digital minefield

Today’s generation of digital natives live in the "Third World" of the metaverse, where online interactions feel as real as face-to-face conversations, and our job as parents is to help guide our children in this digital playground so it remains a creative, safe place of interaction, and not a gateway to radicalization.

Noor Huda Ismail (The Jakarta Post)
Premium
Singapore
Sat, January 4, 2025

Change text size

Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone

Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
Between 'Roblox', radicalism and AI: Parenting in the digital minefield Boys will be boys: Children play online games on their mobile phones along the roadside in Jakarta on Nov. 27, 2024. (AFP/Bay Ismoyo)

J

ust recently, my 14-year-old son Salman was inconsolable. He’s a sensitive kid, sure, but this was different. His 16-year-old brother Hiro spilled the beans: “Salman got scammed on Roblox.”

Roblox? The game with those blocky avatars and cartoony landscapes? How bad could it be?

I tried what any clueless dad would. “Why not just create a new account?” Big mistake.

Salman looked at me like I’d just suggested erasing his entire existence. “Dad,” he said with the gravity of someone who’d lost a limb, “I’ve had that account for eight years. It’s like losing a little brother.”

And there it was. Roblox wasn’t just a game. It was his world: a space where friendships were built, identities crafted and memories stored. That night, as he hugged a pillow like it was a life preserver, I realized something: For kids like Salman, the internet isn’t just a tool. It’s a place.

Our generation splits life into two neat categories: offline (real life) and online (virtual distractions). But for today’s teenagers, it’s more complex. They live in what I call the Third World. Offline is the tangible, physical reality; online is social media, streaming platforms and gaming; and the metaverse is a blend where digital interactions feel as real as face-to-face conversations.

Viewpoint

Every Thursday

Whether you're looking to broaden your horizons or stay informed on the latest developments, "Viewpoint" is the perfect source for anyone seeking to engage with the issues that matter most.

By registering, you agree with The Jakarta Post's

Thank You

for signing up our newsletter!

Please check your email for your newsletter subscription.

View More Newsletter

In this Third World, a gamer tag isn’t just a username; it’s an identity. Friendships aren’t defined by geography but by shared digital experiences. But like any playground, the digital world has its dark corners.

to Read Full Story

  • Unlimited access to our web and app content
  • e-Post daily digital newspaper
  • No advertisements, no interruptions
  • Privileged access to our events and programs
  • Subscription to our newsletters
or

Purchase access to this article for

We accept

TJP - Visa
TJP - Mastercard
TJP - GoPay

Redirecting you to payment page

Pay per article

Between 'Roblox', radicalism and AI: Parenting in the digital minefield

Rp 29,000 / article

1
Create your free account
By proceeding, you consent to the revised Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.
Already have an account?

2
  • Palmerat Barat No. 142-143
  • Central Jakarta
  • DKI Jakarta
  • Indonesia
  • 10270
  • +6283816779933
2
Total Rp 29,000

Your Opinion Matters

Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.

Enter at least 30 characters
0 / 30

Thank You

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.

Share options

Quickly share this news with your network—keep everyone informed with just a single click!

Change text size options

Customize your reading experience by adjusting the text size to small, medium, or large—find what’s most comfortable for you.

Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone

Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!

Continue in the app

Get the best experience—faster access, exclusive features, and a seamless way to stay updated.