KUCHING: Preventing online child sexual exploitation and abuse (OCSEA) demands a collective effort, starting at home, extending to schools, communities and society as a whole.
Reflecting this, World Vision Malaysia, Sabah Community Development Programme Lead, Joseph Lai said that the rise of electronic gadgets, once heralded as a cornerstone of modern convenience, now poses an alarming paradox.
“The Covid-19 pandemic only amplified this digital dependence, as education and social interactions shifted almost entirely online.
“Alongside the benefits, this new reality has exposed children to dangers that threaten their physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing.
“Unsupervised internet access can quickly turn a child’s gateway to knowledge into a predator’s hunting ground,” he said this in a press released issued by World Vision Malaysia, today (Dec 16).
He added that parents and caregivers must take an active role in understanding both the benefits and risks of internet use.
“Open communication is key to fostering trust and creating a space where children feel safe discussing sensitive topics like online exploitation.
“Setting clear boundaries for device usage, encouraging shared digital spaces, and utilising parental control software to filter inappropriate content are essential first steps.
“Parents must also stay informed about the tactics predators use and emerging online trends to pre-emptively address potential threats.”
Lai said that digital literacy programmes on online safety, cyberbullying prevention, and responsible internet usage should become staples of modern education.
“By working closely with parents and utilising well-defined reporting mechanisms, educators can create a safety net that extends beyond the classroom.
“Promoting respectful interactions and empowering students to recognise suspicious activities can transform them into active participants in their own safety.
“Peer-led initiatives and support networks can foster vigilance and resilience, ensuring that children look out for one another and have the confidence to seek help when needed.”
For the record, he said that reports by End Child Prostitution and Trafficking (ECPAT), International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL), and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in 2022 highlight the gravity of this crisis as at least four per cent of children aged 12 to 17 surveyed admitted to experiencing OCSEA.
“The data, corroborated by Malaysia’s Sexual, Women and Children Investigation Division (D11), reveals a disturbing trend of increasing cases between 2017 and 2019 which lead to severe mental, emotional and social harm.
“Through partnerships with partner NGOs or government entities such as Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat (JKM) and Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM), World Vision Malaysia conducts awareness campaigns that empower children, parents, and educators to recognise and prevent exploitation.”
