SHAH ALAM – With the growing number of youths on social media, the risk of encountering explicit content or being coerced by peers or strangers into sharing personal pictures or videos for money is alarming.
Parents and family members played a crucial role in monitoring their children’s online activities.
Criminologist Nadiah Syariani Md Shariff said other than close monitoring of their children and teenager’s online activities, teaching media literacy, practicing open and trusting communication, were equally vital.
"This is to ensure that parents become the main reference or guide in seeking information especially in sexual-related matters.
"Letting your children know that they have a supportive and non-judgmental environment not only inform parents about children’s sexual concern, it is also one way of forming social control by indirectly nurturing positive values and attitudes within children about what is right and wrong," she said.
Meanwhile, Arunachala Research and Consultancy Sdn Bhd principal consultant R. Paneir Selvam said parents, guardians and community members should be aware of the risks associated with explicit content.
"Have open conversations with teenagers, monitor their online activities and provide guidance.
"Peers also play a significant role in creating a supportive environment by encouraging discussions about responsible online behaviours," he said.
He added that promotion of the use of parental control software, content filters and reporting mechanisms could protect teenagers from harmful content," he said.