KUALA LUMPUR, Aug. 16 -- It is no longer uncommon to hear stories of children unknowingly tapping the 'purchase' or 'upgrade' button on their mobile phones while playing online games, only for parents to be left footing credit card bills or cash-on-delivery payments for items they never purchased.

Although it may sound amusing, it is one of the challenges parents face in this digital era.

Beyond unintentional purchases, allowing children access to smartphones brings other serious risks - from exposure to inappropriate content and video game addiction to cybersecurity threats and the challenge of balancing technology with family values.

Dr Shafizan Mohamed, a lecturer in the Department of Communication, Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Kno...