Protection of Children against Online Exploitation in Malaysia

Prof Dato Noor Aziah Mohd Awal

 

In the era of technology and digitalized world, internet has become a necessity. The Internet, with its instant messaging tools and social networks, has become a crucial meeting place for children to connect with friends, to learn and to exercise their right to freedom of expression. And this is no different in Malaysia, where 9 in 10 children aged 5 to 17 is an internet user, while 92% of students aged 13 to 17 have social media accounts. During the covid-19 pandemic, online learning became the most important ways to achieve the right to education. However, online exploitation of children has become a real threat to their well-being including mental health. Children are vulnerable groups of persons that have rights to information, right to play and rest. These rights must be balanced with the principles of best interest of the child in protecting them against online exploitation.