5/23/22, 3:03 AM Telenor Myanmar candidates across Telenor’s footprint and gave rise to new ventures that continue to this day. Most importantly, it demonstrated that this global crowd of youth could productively come together in short time, due to them already being connected. Youth also use connectivity to create inventions that are purely commercial, much earlier than what we’ve seen before: Robert Nay, who invented the Bubble Ball game that was downloaded more than 2 million times within 2 weeks, was only 14 when it launched. Connecting responsibly Constant connectivity is not without challenges. Being connected does not mean you know how to use it productively and properly. And connectivity is not equally accessible for all. While one benefits from technology, another might be threatened by it. According to recent statistics, about 37% of young people between the ages of 12 and 17 have been bullied online. It is on us adults and professionals like telecom operators to make sure that youths are getting the best and safest experience from technology. Be kind! To support youth in becoming better digital citizens, and to properly and responsibly use the internet, Telenor Myanmar launched the “Be Kind Online!” campaign joining hands with Plan International in June. The campaign addresses issues of cyberbullying, hate speech, cyber grooming, sexting, fake news, and more through targeted digital resilience trainings. Aiming to help stop cyberbullying and increase digital resilience, the campaign concludes on August 12, the International Youth Day. Lifelong learning Transformative technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) are making it increasingly important for youth to be familiar with advanced concepts at an early stage. Being a digital native is not sufficient; you need to understand why and how these technologies impact you and your community. The continued learning that working adults need to adapt to, starts already now for young people. Lifelong learning is required as digitalization increases and infuses all parts of our lives, like transportation, manufacturing, education, healthcare and more. Reducing inequalities It is up to all of us – governments, organizations, schools and telecoms operators – to make our youth technology ready. And it is up to the youth themselves to seek those skills and that knowledge. This can start with something as simple as taking part in simple digital literacy trainings and teaching youth to take responsibility for their online behavior. Telenor Myanmar is committed to creating a safer digital space for Myanmar’s youth, promoting positive online behaviors, and providing youth with the resources to address and cope with negative online experiences. Our goal is to make sure no one is left behind. Striking the right balance Saying connected can seem to be all about fun and games. As all good things, both youth and adults need it in moderation. As adults we need to help promote balance: physical exercise, offline learning, and other activities, to make sure they leave enough time in their week for face-toface interaction with people. IRL (“in real life”) is not overrated, and sometimes it is necessary to disconnect. Teens are never too old to go for a [2] screen-free walk or dinner with their family! About Author Hans Martin Høegh Henrichsen https://www.telenor.com.mm/en/article/connected-competent-and-critical-youth-digital-age 2/4