Nancy Shukri urges parents to limit children’s social media exposure and avoid oversharing personal information to reduce risks of online exploitation and abuse.
PUTRAJAYA: Parents should think twice before sharing photos and personal information about their children on social media, as excessive online exposure could leave them vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said.
She said the ministry has consistently reminded parents about the risks associated with oversharing, stressing that awareness efforts must continue as children become increasingly exposed to the digital world.
“That has been an ongoing message from us. Although enforcement action is not taken by the ministry, we continue sharing this information so parents understand the risks to their own children,” she told reporters after officiating at the 9th Asean Children’s Forum here today.
Nancy said the ministry works alongside the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to educate the public on online safety, while continuing its engagement with parents through various community programmes.
“That’s why our programmes with parents cannot stop. We have to continue engaging with them so they are constantly reminded,” she said.
Apart from online awareness campaigns, Nancy encouraged families to make greater use of facilities provided by the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), which offer safe spaces for children to spend their time and express themselves offline.
She said some LPPKN centres provide reading rooms, recreational areas and spaces where children can interact, debate and take part in organised activities while waiting for their parents to finish work.
She added that such programmes provide children with opportunities to express themselves in a safe and structured environment, while reinforcing the values and knowledge they should be learning.
“As a mother, and now a grandmother, I appeal to all parents to always prioritise yourselves and your children.
“Remember that you must protect your family’s privacy because the more you expose yourselves online, the greater the opportunity for people with harmful intentions to target your children.
“So let us all work together to ensure this does not happen,” she said.
The Sun Malaysia