Protecting children’s rights requires an ‘all of society’ approach, with everyone doing their part. Photo: Freepik
Children's rights need to be protected in the media to prevent stigma, says Malaysia’s Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) Children’s Commissioner Dr Farah Nini Dusuki, adding that this applies not only to mainstream media, but also social media.
“Imagine a gargling cup that falls into the toilet bowl. Even if you clean and sanitise it, many wouldn’t use it for gargling again because of the negative perception,” she explains. “Stigma works the same way. Children involved in something negative – like crime or abuse – face lasting challenges even after rehabilitation, because people often can't dissociate them from their past.”
This stigma issue, Farah Nini says, underscores the importance of not disseminating children’s photos and details, especially when they are involved in negative situations.
While individuals may think they are sharing information or supporting justice, this can inadvertently affect the child’s future in profound ways.
“A young person’s identity, once associated with something negative, can lead to lifelong perceptions that may impact their opportunities,” she adds.
Farah Nini cites the recent case of an abused teenage girl with Down Syndrome, whose photos were circulated widely on social media. Although shared with intentions to highlight injustice, it has caused unintended harm.
“This girl is high-functioning; she can communicate and could one day enter the workforce. But if she is known as ‘the girl who was abused’, her self-esteem and perception from others could suffer even before she proves herself professionally,” Farah Nini explains.
She emphasised these points at a recent child rights protection course for members of the media, organised by the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI).
Although targeted towards the media, the message is equally relevant to the public, who often share sensitive information on their social media accounts and messaging apps.
She reminds everyone that according to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and Malaysia’s Child Act 2001, a child is anyone under the age of 18.
“Protecting children’s rights applies to all under 18 in Malaysia, regardless of religion, ethnicity, citizenship or ability,” she explains.
Farah Nini says there should be a sensitive approach when dealing with children in challenging situations. Photo: The Star/Ming Teoh
The exception
There is, however, one exception where a minor’s identity can be revealed: In missing person cases, where public help is needed to locate the child.
Farah Nini advocates a sensitive approach when dealing with children in challenging situations because they lack the maturity to fully grasp the consequences of their actions.
She elaborates on kids’ brain development, noting that the amygdala – which influences emotions and responses – matures around puberty. In contrast, the frontal lobes – responsible for reasoning – are the last brain areas to develop, often not reaching maturity until adulthood.
“This means teenagers, while capable in many ways, may still struggle with complex reasoning, making them more vulnerable to risky behaviour without considering long term outcomes,” she says.
The impact of child abuse, she notes, is profound and lifelong, manifesting in risky behaviours (such as promiscuity, sexual violence, substance abuse and smoking), health issues (like heart disease, diabetes, asthma, hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections such as HIV), and mental or social challenges (such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, eating disorders, suicidal tendencies, unplanned pregnancies and repeated victimisation).
Many abused children develop habits and psychological issues that follow them into adulthood. This can also increase the likelihood of criminal behaviour, as shown in international studies of juveniles sentenced to death: 74% came from broken homes, 60% were abuse victims, 43% had mental health issues and 38% struggled with substance addiction.
Ratified by Malaysia in 1995, the CRC affirms the nation’s commitment to children’s rights to survival, development, protection and participation, based on principles like non-discrimination and acting in children’s best interests.
While Malaysia has laws safeguarding children, such as the Child Act 2001, the Child Witness Act 2007 and the Sexual Offenses Against Children Act 2017, Farah Nini stresses the need for stronger enforcement.
Protecting children’s rights is a responsibility that falls on all sectors of society. This collaborative approach is essential to prevent stigma, protect childhood innocence and support a child’s opportunity to thrive free from the burdens of past traumas.
“Laws and regulations need to be upheld by everyone to ensure children are protected,” Farah Nini concludes.
