Erra Fazira on parenting in the digital age

Renowned singer and actress, Erra Fazira recently opened up about her unique approach to parenting her teenage daughter, Engku Aleesya, as she navigates adolescence.

Erra shared her strategies for maintaining her daughter's safety and freedom while respecting the realities of modern technology.

"She does have social media. Even though we didn't allow it, her father and I said no. But she plays hide and seek, thinking we don't know.

“We eventually found out she has an account, but since she's only 12, we keep an eye on her,” she said in an interview.

Erra, whose full name is Fazira Wan Chek, admitted that even though both she and her ex-husband, Engku Emran, have strict rules against Aleesya using social media at such a young age, the tech-savvy teen has found ways around their restrictions.

Occasionally, Erra will share updates about her daughter’s life, balancing privacy with the curiosity of her fans. Despite the challenges, Erra emphasised that she is not overly restrictive.

When Aleesya wants to go out, either Erra or her father ensures they are present to supervise.

Erra previously mentioned that Aleesya does not yet own a personal phone. However, in certain situations, Erra allows her daughter to use a phone for easy communication.

Erra's approach highlights the challenge of balancing Aleesya's independence with her safety. She acknowledged the dilemma of wanting to foster independence while recognising that the current environment may not always permit it.

As a result, she grants her daughter freedom, but always under careful supervision.

On the topic of her acting career, Erra humorously noted that she has become more selective about the roles she takes on.

“I’m not saying I don’t want to act, but I have become more selective. Lead roles aren’t an option anymore, but I’m still active in the industry,” she added.

Erra’s personal life has been a topic of interest for many fans. She was previously married to Datuk Yusry Abdul Halim in 2003, but the couple divorced in 2006.

She later married Engku Emran, with whom she has Aleesya. After seven years together, they parted ways. Despite the challenges, Erra balances her career and family life with grace and authenticity, making her a respected figure in the Malaysian entertainment scene.