Safeguarding children online: Combating the growing threat of CSAM in Malaysia

Borneo Post

14 hours ago

Parents, educators, and healthcare professionals must remain vigilant and proactive but many Malaysian families still
hold misconceptions about online safety and the risks it poses. — AI Image
KUALA LUMPUR (July 16): Child sexual abuse material (CSAM) refers to any content that depicts the sexual abuse or exploitation of children.
It is a serious crime and a severe violation of a child's rights and dignity.
As children increasingly spend time online through social media, games, and other digital platforms, they are more exposed to risks such as online grooming, manipulation, and exploitation.
This makes them highly susceptible to harm, as offenders can easily reach and target them through the very spaces they use daily.
The growing presence of CSAM in the digital world highlights the urgent need to protect children and educate them, as well as parents and communities, about online safety.
As part of the broader efforts under the Kempen Internet Selamat (KIS), raising awareness about Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) has become a critical national priority.
In today's digital world, educating the public, especially parents, caregivers, educators, and community leaders on internet safety is essential to protect children.
CSAM is a severe and lasting trauma that demands a united and informed response. Through greater vigilance, open dialogue, and coordinated action, together as a society can build safer online spaces for every child.
Dato' Dr Amar Singh
Dato' Dr Amar Singh, consultant paediatrician and child-disability activist, warns that CSAM is not merely explicit material.
'CSAM involves sexually explicit images or videos of a child or adolescent. It is a record of a crime against a child and a permanent record of the child's victimisation and trauma,' said Dr Amar.
'The Internet allows for the widespread sharing and distribution of CSAM, which can cause lifelong psychological distress to most children, even as adults. This re-victimises the child again and again.'
According to Dr Amar, the psychological impact of CSAM on young victims is profound and devastating.
'Those victimised by CSAM have significant psychosocial trauma resulting in anxiety disorders, depression, and suicidal tendencies. They feel hopeless and experience a loss of control over the continued circulation of their images,' he explained.
'More importantly, they have great difficulty in trusting others and forming meaningful relationships.'
This deep emotional wound does not stop at the child.
Dr Amar said: 'These psychological and emotional struggles are also felt by their parents and siblings, disrupting family relationships. At times, parents unreasonably vent their anger on the child who was abused.'
The easy accessibility of CSAM online also has far-reaching effects on other children.
It can heighten sexuality and lead to increased sexual activities among youth, sometimes even resulting in children exploiting other children.
The introduction of AI-generated CSAM has further complicated the problem, as this material can be produced and circulated without a child's knowledge or direct involvement.
One of the greatest challenges lies in identifying the signs that a child might have been exposed to or is being groomed online.
In his book 'Cybersafety: A Handbook for Parents & Children', Dr Amar shares some critical behavioural red flags.
These include a child becoming nervous or emotional when online, being overly secretive about their digital life, sudden social withdrawal, unexplained changes in behaviour or academic performance, mood swings, and a sudden refusal to use their devices.
Parents, educators, and healthcare professionals must remain vigilant and proactive. Many Malaysian families, however, still hold misconceptions about online safety and the risks it poses.
They often believe that monitoring screen time alone is sufficient or that their child would always inform them of problems.
In reality, as Dr Amar stressed many children do not disclose online abuse due to fear of punishment, embarrassment, or losing access to their devices.
The circulation of CSAM through private messaging apps and encrypted platforms has further complicated matters.
Adolescents who unintentionally come across such material may suffer from shock, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts.
According to Dr Amar, the loss of a safe online space and the guilt associated with accidental exposure can have lasting psychological repercussions.
Creating a safe, open environment for children to discuss uncomfortable or inappropriate content is crucial.
Dr Amar advocates for honest, non-judgmental communication at home.
'Attempts to scare children about online risks usually do not work,' he wrote.
'Our children and teenagers are naturally curious and need open and honest communication, a safe environment where they feel comfortable asking questions and discussing their concerns about online sexual material without fear of judgment.'
Schools, paediatricians, and community mental health workers also play vital roles.
Schools can integrate cybersafety education into their curriculum, helping children understand boundaries and identify grooming behaviour.
Paediatricians can support parents by providing guidance during consultations, and community mental health workers can create support systems for at-risk children and their families.
Dr Amar highlighted the need for collective responsibility in protecting children.
'Preventing children and teenagers from sexual abuse and exploitation requires a combination of education, open communication in families, setting boundaries and fostering safe online behaviour, with governmental protection to ensure online safety for children,' he said.
Adults have a responsibility to actively engage in safeguarding children's digital experiences. This includes knowing their children's online friends, monitoring screen activities, and fostering discernment in using social media.
The recently enacted Online Safety Act 2024 empowers the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to regulate online safety, but more needs to be done to ensure its effectiveness.
Dr Amar also underscored the importance of society's role as a watchdog.
Communities should remain vigilant, report predatory online sites and individuals to the MCMC, and support efforts to create safer digital environments.
For children who have been affected by CSAM-related trauma, therapeutic strategies play an essential role in recovery.
According to insights from Dr Amar's book, trauma-informed therapy, supportive counseling, and family-based interventions help victims rebuild trust, regain a sense of safety, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. These approaches must be compassionate and tailored to each child's unique emotional needs.
The issue of CSAM is a complex, multifaceted problem requiring urgent attention and coordinated action.
As Dr Amar emphasised the combination of familial involvement, community vigilance, and governmental intervention can help safeguard children's psychological well-being in digital spaces.
This problem demands a unified approach from all sectors of society for it to be solved.
In a digital era where dangers often lurk behind screens, protecting children from CSAM and online exploitation is not merely a parental duty but a collective societal imperative.
As the country strives to build a safer online environment, it is vital to remember Dr Amar's words and commit to creating a world where every child can navigate the internet safely and grow into adulthood free from the scars of digital abuse. Child Sexual Abuse Material Dr Amar Singh Kempen Internet Selamat lead