ANN/THE STAR – The actual number of children being sexually exploited, abused and bullied online is much higher than the numbers highlighted by the authorities, says a non-governmental organisation
Childline Foundation executive director Datin PH Wong said the figures that the authorities currently have represent only a small fraction of the reality.
The Childline Foundation, in partnership with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) UK, tracks online cases of child sexual abuse and exploitation.
According to Wong, the IWF reported over 4,000 cases in 2023 and around 8,000 cases in the first three months of this year alone.
“Online child sexual abuse and exploitation is on the rise,” said Wong, adding that such cases are a form of cyberbullying.
She emphasised the importance of raising awareness among parents and children, who often do not realise the dangers lurking online.
Wong called for both the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry and the Communication Ministry to sit together and come up with a national plan of action and policies to tackle the issue.
“There needs to be leadership in tackling this problem, which will only escalate.
“There also needs to be more consultation with non-governmental agencies,” said Wong.
Ivy Josiah of the Women’s Aid Organisation said since young people spend a lot of time online, it gives rise to young girls, who are more vulnerable, becoming victims of cyberbullying.
This includes them being sexually harassed, from grooming, non-consensual sexting, cyberstalking, to revenge porn.
“We need to teach young people and this must be part of our curriculum to recognise bullies and sexual predators, and encourage the use of blocking features on social media.
“We must establish safe, anonymous reporting channels within schools or communities where victims can report without fear of retaliation,” added Josiah.
Recent incidents underscore the urgent need for vigilance.
A few months ago, two teenage boys were allegedly cyberbullied with vulgarity and sexual innuendos on TikTok by the man who was arrested and charged for cyberbullying the late Rajeswary Appahu.
Besides the man, there were five other men present in the live session – which took place at about 2am.
Lawyer Mohan Ramakrishnan said witnesses of the cyberbullying incident should lodge police reports as it involved underage children.
Mohan also advised parents to monitor their children’s Internet usage closely to prevent incidents of cyberbullying.
