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PARENTS have been reminded not to disclose personal information and photographs of their children on social media to avoid the risk of being exploited by irresponsible parties.
Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, said awareness of children's digital safety needs to be continuously strengthened because excessive exposure to social media can pose a risk to their privacy and safety.
She said that although the ministry does not take direct action against parents, warnings regarding the risks are always given through various programmes and family engagement sessions.
"We need to continue to remind parents to understand the risks of disclosing too much information or photographs of their children on social media," she said.
Nancy said that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) also plays a role in addressing online safety issues, while the ministry will continue its approach of educating parents on the importance of protecting children's privacy.
"When too much personal information is revealed, it opens up space for those who want to harm children. So, let's work together to ensure this does not happen," she said.
She also revealed that more than 200 million children under the age of 18 in the ASEAN region need comprehensive protection from various forms of physical and online violence.
This number represents about 30 per cent of the total population of ASEAN member countries, and based on UNICEF statistics, the Asia Pacific region has the largest child population in the world, with 1.12 billion people.
Nancy said every child is entitled to enjoy equal rights in terms of protection, development, survival and meaningful participation, with every policy and decision related to them having to be based on the principle of the best interests of the child. – August 4, 2026
