Filter, monitor: Every parent's role to safeguard children online

Borneo Post

2 days ago

By equipping families to monitor, communicate, and set healthy boundaries online, Kempen Internet Selamat reinforces the message that internet safety starts at home but requires the involvement of all. – AI Image
KUALA LUMPUR: Today's children are more digitally connected than ever, with access to games, learning tools, and social media at their fingertips but, this connectivity brings serious risks, especially from child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Many people think only the government or police can tackle this, but experts say that keeping children safe is a shared responsibility for everyone.
The Kempen Internet Selamat (KIS) continues to prioritise public education on the importance of digital safety, especially in addressing the threat of CSAM.
The campaign promotes practical tools and family-based strategies to empower parents in their role as digital guardians.
By equipping families to monitor, communicate, and set healthy boundaries online, KIS reinforces the message that internet safety starts at home but requires the involvement of all.
'Addressing CSAM is not solely the responsibility of the police or the government, it is a responsibility we all share,' says David Ho, Founder and Executive director of Navigator Asia Business Sdn Bhd and parent.
David Ho
With predators exploiting every gap in oversight and awareness, a collective approach is essential to build multiple layers of protection.
The Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 in Malaysia further underscores this collective responsibility, requiring anyone who becomes aware of child sexual abuse to report it immediately.
Parents and guardians are the first line of defense against these threats.
Ho emphasises that 'parents need to build open communication with their children, making it safe for them to discuss uncomfortable issues.'
By creating an environment where children feel comfortable sharing, parents can identify early signs of grooming or inappropriate behavior.
Monitoring is another crucial component where parents should regularly check their children's devices, friend lists, and browsing history.
Setting clear digital boundaries through family internet agreements can help outline appropriate online behavior, define prohibited websites, and establish consequences for violations.
Ho also stresses that 'families need to stay informed about the latest trends and risks to guide their children effectively.'
In addition to proactive parenting, technology provides powerful tools for safeguarding children online.
Parental control software like Bark and Qustodio offers comprehensive features including content filtering, screen time management, and AI-based monitoring of social media interactions.
These solutions help detect issues such as cyberbullying, inappropriate texting, and mental health red flags before they escalate.
At the network level, router-based parental controls can block harmful content for all devices connected to the home Wi-Fi. Device-specific controls, often built into smartphones and tablets, allow parents to set screen time limits and restrict access to age-inappropriate content.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), together with local telcos, has introduced initiatives to make these tools more accessible to families nationwide.
Content filtering technologies are also indispensable in the fight against online exploitation.
Automated systems leveraging cryptographic hashing and AI-powered image classifiers can detect and block CSAM in real time.
These systems adapt to new tactics as predators evolve, preventing exposure to harmful content and supporting law enforcement efforts by reporting detected material.
Despite these tools, the most advanced technology cannot replace vigilance. Parents and caregivers should watch for warning signs that a child might be exposed to harmful content.
Sudden changes in behavior, excessive secrecy about online activities, unexplained gifts, and knowledge of sexual topics beyond their age are all red flags.
Other grooming indicators include adults isolating the child, giving gifts without parental consent, or encouraging the child to keep secrets.
Community involvement plays a critical role in child online safety. Awareness campaigns, school-based digital literacy programmes, and family-centered workshops are vital for educating both children and adults.
'Community awareness increases vigilance and promotes reporting of suspicious behavior,' says Ho.
Programmes such as Vietnam's 'Swipe Safe' have shown that community-driven education can significantly improve protective behaviors and awareness among young people and their families.
Peer networks also empower children to support each other. When young people are educated about online safety, they are more likely to recognise grooming tactics and alert adults or friends.
This peer-to-peer approach is highly effective in creating a protective environment around children.
Collaboration between public institutions, the private sector, and civil society organisations further strengthens child protection efforts.
Through resource sharing, joint training, and coordinated responses, these partnerships can develop advanced detection technologies and provide essential support services for victims and families.
Malaysia's adoption of the ASEAN Declaration on the Protection of Children from all Forms of Online Exploitation and Abuse and its national Plan of Action on Child Online Protection highlight the importance of these collaborations.
Technology companies also play a significant role in combating CSAM. They must implement advanced detection systems, enforce strict age verification processes, and provide easy-to-use reporting tools for users.
Transparency reports that detail efforts to combat CSAM can build public trust and encourage ongoing improvements.
Furthermore, companies should maintain close cooperation with law enforcement and child protection organizations to ensure swift responses to emerging threats.
Continuous updates to AI moderation systems help keep pace with new evasion techniques used by predators.
Ultimately, the fight against CSAM and online exploitation requires an unwavering commitment from every sector of society.
As parents, teachers, community members, and digital citizens, they all have a role in protecting children and seeing the red flags.
By combining strong family communication, robust monitoring, community involvement, and technological safeguards, coming together can create a safer online environment for our children.
Ho explains that parents and community, 'Make the Internet a safer place for the next generation.'
This call to action serves as a powerful reminder that a community can disrupt the cycles of harm and build a digital future where children can learn, connect, and explore safely.
Through collective action and constant vigilance, the solutions to these challenges are within reach.
As the community continues to strengthen the defenses and educate communities, it can ensure that the internet becomes a space for growth and discovery rather than exploitation and danger.