Social media platforms must be responsible, protect children from exploitation, says consultant paediatrician

A consultant paediatrician has called on technology giants to introduce effective safeguards to protect children in the digital space, highlighting the risks associated with the widespread practice of ‘sharenting’.

Datuk Dr Amar Singh HSS said it is incumbent on governments to work together to make social media platforms and technology companies change their policies and practices.

“I believe what would be most effective would be for governments to push hard for all social media platforms and technology companies to have good and effective safeguards to protect children online in every aspect, including from sharenting and self-posted images,” said Dr Amar.

He added that this would mean regulating the kind of images involving children that can be shared online and rapidly removing offensive content.

“Sadly, many social media platforms are more interested in their earnings and popularity than the safety of children.”

He warned that one risk was from sexual predators, citing a report by the Australian Children’s eSafety Commissioner, which found that 50 per cent of the images of children shared on paedophile sites came from parents’ social media pages.

“This amounts to millions and millions of images. We can only imagine how these predators are using these images of our children,” he said.

Dr Amar’s call for stronger regulations aligns with the Malaysian government’s intention to require social media and instant messaging platforms to apply for licences to operate in the country.

Dr Amar, who is also a child disability activist, stressed that stronger regulations were needed to combat the abuse of artificial intelligence image generators that produce deepfake nude images and videos, which are becoming increasingly common.

“It happened to schoolchildren in Singapore recently. This will be traumatic for the children whose online images are abused, often with long-lasting impact,” he added.

“My call to parents is to limit sharing your children’s images online. Share them only in closed groups with your family members and relatives.

“Please forgo the ‘thumbs up’ gratification and think of the long-term impact on your child. Once children can communicate well and reason, (usually by 5–7 years, at the latest 8–9 years), please discuss with them before you share images of them online.”

Dr Amar’s comments today follow Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri’s statement on Wednesday that ‘sharenting’ could be included in the proposed amendments to the Child Act 2001.

‘Sharenting’ is the act of parents sharing images and details of their children on social media, which has become increasingly common, often driven by the pride and joy parents feel in sharing their children’s achievements.

Dr Amar, however, said he was uncertain if legislation was necessary to regulate sharenting by amending the Child Act 2001.

“I would prefer that we improve the responsibility taken by parents. Sadly, I am not convinced that awareness campaigns or initiatives to educate the public about the dangers of sharing will work without a law,” he said.