The internet is a double-edged sword—while being a resource for learning and communication, it also poses significant risks, especially to younger users. Recent statements from law enforcement officials have highlighted a disturbing trend: the easy access to social media and pornography is increasingly causing social problems among children, impacting their development and safety.
Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain, the director of Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department, has pointed out the severe implications of unrestricted internet access for children. "Children want to explore something. They look at people having sex so they want to do it because access (to pornography) is too easy and they are exposed to a lot of negative things," he explained. This statement was made at the International Regulatory Conference, emphasizing the urgent need for effective policies and technological solutions to create a safer online space for children.
The Consequences of Exposure
The exposure to inappropriate content, particularly pornography, has profound effects on children. It distorts their understanding of relationships and sexuality, leading to emotional and psychological disturbances. Studies have shown that early exposure to sexually explicit material is linked to risky sexual behaviors, substance use, and delinquent behavior among adolescents.
Moreover, the internet, especially social media platforms, often lacks adequate safeguards to prevent minors from accessing harmful content. This oversight can lead to incidents like the one cited by Shuhaily, where a nine-year-old girl was involved in a gang rape after being exploited online. Such cases underscore the dire consequences of the digital world's dark side when left unchecked.
The Role of Digital Literacy and Parental Supervision
To combat these growing concerns, there is a strong call for improved digital literacy for children and their guardians. "Three main complaints from young people: the first is safety by design and child-centred features, followed by very concrete demands and ideas. Second, digital literacy as well as for parents, carers, and teachers, and lastly, child-friendly reporting mechanisms,” shared a representative from UNICEF at the conference.
Parents and educators play a crucial role in mitigating the risks associated with social media and pornography. They need to be well-informed about the potential dangers and proactive in monitoring and guiding children's online activities. Parental control tools and educational programs on safe internet practices are essential in shielding children from harmful content while helping them reap the benefits of digital technology.
Technological and Regulatory Solutions
The conference also highlighted the importance of technological and regulatory measures to protect children online. Platform providers and regulators are tasked with a significant responsibility to filter and block inappropriate content and ensure that digital environments are conducive to children's healthy development.
Datuk Idham Nawawi, CEO of CelcomDigi, remarked on the challenges faced in 2023, calling it the "most extreme year of child sexual abuse online," which further stresses the need for robust protective measures.
Moving Forward: A Call for Collective Action
The insights from law enforcement and experts call for a collective effort to address the issues of easy access to harmful content. It involves not only tightening regulatory frameworks and deploying advanced technological solutions but also enhancing community awareness and parental involvement.
As we move forward, it is crucial for all stakeholders—governments, technology providers, educators, parents, and civil society—to collaborate in creating a safer digital landscape. Only through combined efforts can we hope to protect our children from the adverse effects of premature exposure to social media and pornography, ensuring their safe and healthy development in the digital age.
The easy access to social media and pornography is undeniably causing significant social problems among children, affecting their mental health and safety. The call to action is clear: we must implement stronger protective measures, promote digital literacy, and ensure active parental involvement. By doing so, we can safeguard our children's well-being in this increasingly digital world.
