Online sexual grooming can have long-term consequences - Paediatrician

SHAH ALAM - Paediatrician Dr Bernice Lim Pei-Yi has raised concerns about the increasing risk of online sexual grooming among children who are unsupervised on social media.

"Be careful of online predators. The first step for them (in sexual grooming) is to isolate the child, usually somebody who is underaged, then establish an emotional connection with them and gain their trust.

"From there, they manipulate vulnerable children and exploit them for sexual favours.

"Last but not least, they would coerce them to keep it a secret from parents and guardians," the Sri Kota Specialist Medical Centre Consultant Paediatrician told Sinar Daily when contacted recently.

Dr Lim cited a report from the 'Disrupting Harm in Malaysia' study by the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (Unicef), which revealed that sexual grooming is significantly underreported.

"This indicated the urgent need to address this issue more seriously.

"Children who experience online sexual grooming may grow up into dysfunctional adults, perpetuating a cycle of harm that affects future minors as well," she added.

Dr Lim also observed a growing emotional distance between children and their parents, often because children feel that their parents do not understand them as well as their peers.

This distance can lead to a lack of respect, with some parents misinterpreting or judging their children's online behaviour and language.

Dr Lim then insisted on the importance of open, loving communication between parents and children.

She also advocated for early detection of mental health issues and increased public awareness as preventive measures.

"Parents should feel comfortable seeking help; therapy does not necessarily mean institutionalisation," she said.

She also revealed that mental illnesses can stem from genetic factors, stressors such as dysfunctional relationships, and previous psychological trauma.

"These factors create an unstable environment, leading to significant stress, anxiety, and pain," she said.

Genetics, particularly in conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorders, plays a crucial role, but open communication between children and parents is equally important for prevention.

To this, Dr Lim suggested that schools should train more teachers to recognise and address mental health issues early.

"Support groups for parents and guardians could also provide valuable coping strategies and a platform for sharing experiences.

Addressing the pervasive issue of social media use among children, Dr Lim emphasised the importance of open communication both online and offline.

"Unsupervised social media access exposes children to the risk of sexual grooming, as predators can easily exploit this vulnerable group.

"On social media, anyone can approach your child.

"A 30-year-old man could pose as an 18-year-old teenager, and you might never know.

"These children could be lured into dangerous situations with strangers," she cautioned.