PETALING JAYA: Experts are divided on the necessity of stricter laws to combat online sexual crimes involving children, but all agree that education and prevention are key in addressing the issue.
The director of engagement and partnership at Be My Protector, Roland Edward, emphasized the need for a holistic study before proposing any new law or amendment to penalize child perpetrators. He pointed out that many children involved in online sexual exploitation are manipulated by individuals or syndicates.
Edward added that if the government considers enacting new legislation, it must ensure that it is keeping up with the current trends in technology. He stressed the importance of aggressive campaigns to raise awareness about child online safety as technology evolves rapidly.
He also highlighted the existing policies on social media platforms that specify the minimum age for users, but noted that parents need to be more aware of the risks of posting their children’s photos online. Edward recommended increasing the minimum age from 13 to between 15 and 17 to allow children to make more informed decisions.
Regarding cases of children being both victims and perpetrators of online sexual exploitation, Edward emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach involving the whole of society. Childline Foundation’s executive director, Datin Wong Poai Hong, suggested amending existing legislation instead of introducing new laws.
Wong emphasized the importance of strengthening current laws and regulations to protect children online, highlighting the need for educational efforts to be more effective in preventing such crimes. She emphasized that introducing punitive laws may not be the most effective approach.
Wong also called for early education on digital literacy, starting at the preschool level, to equip children with the necessary skills to navigate the digital world safely. Consultant paediatrician Datuk Dr Amar Singh emphasized the challenges faced by parents and communities in protecting children from online abuse.
Dr. Amar Singh called for a collaborative government effort, including expediting the proposed Online Safety Act. He advocated for industry responsibility to protect children online and proposed a multipronged approach involving education, parental oversight, and stringent safety measures.
Last month, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching announced that the government was considering the introduction of an Online Safety Act following the direction from the Cabinet. This move aligns with efforts in countries like the United States, where the Kids Online Safety Act is being tabled.
This Act aims to safeguard minors using social media, while countries like China have already implemented laws such as the Provisions on Online Protection of Children’s Personal Information to protect children’s online privacy.
