Value-based education, digital safety to be prioritised in primary curriculum: State minister
The government is planning broader reforms to equip primary school students with practical life skills and responsible digital habits as technology becomes increasingly embedded in everyday life.
Highlights
- New curriculum to emphasise digital safety
- Value-based education to receive greater focus
- Govt plans interactive digital classrooms
- Minister calls for responsible technology use
- Stronger safeguards sought against online abuse
The government is incorporating value-based education, digital safety, life skills, gender sensitivity and civic values into the new primary education curriculum, said Primary and Mass Education State Minister Bobby Hajjaj today (21 July).
He also stressed the importance of teaching children to use technology safely and responsibly rather than keeping them away from it.
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The state minister made the remarks while addressing the Digital Gender Norms: National Learning Exchange programme organised by BBC Media Action at Hotel Lakeshore in Gulshan.
"Technological advancement will not stop. Therefore, we must equip children and adolescents with the skills to use technology safely and positively so they are prepared for the future," he said.
Referring to the July 2024 mass uprising, Hajjaj said shutting down the internet had failed to silence public voices, demonstrating that digital platforms have become an integral part of society and the state.
He said the rapid pace of technological development has created a gap between technological progress and social and cultural values, which requires coordinated efforts by educational institutions, families, communities and the state.
The state minister also underscored the need to train children in information verification, online ethics and safe digital behaviour.
Hajjaj expressed concern over the growing spread of fake images, manipulated videos, character assassination and online harassment on social media.
He said women, adolescent girls and female politicians are among the worst affected by digital abuse and called for stronger accountability on digital platforms alongside effective implementation of laws and policies to protect women and children.
The state minister said the government plans to gradually introduce interactive digital learning systems in classrooms, provide tablets to teachers and eventually supply education-friendly digital devices to students.
He also said guardian committees have been formed to oversee the school meal programme at primary schools as part of efforts to strengthen community participation in education.
The government is also working to increase the involvement of parents and local communities in various aspects of the education system, he added.
