NGO: Using kids for social media content raises privacy and psychological concerns


KUALA LUMPUR: The use of children as content on social media without their consent violates their privacy rights and can lead to long-term negative psychological effects, a local non-governmental organisation (NGO) said on Saturday (Sept 7).

Protect and Save the Children (PS The Children) said in a statement on Saturday that children have a fundamental right to privacy as outlined in Article 16 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which protects them from arbitrary interference with their personal lives and ensures their dignity is upheld.

"The norm of placing "children under the gaze" of public scrutiny compromises their rights to privacy and bodily autonomy.

"Non-consensual sharing of photos and videos not only impacts their self-perception but also teaches them that they lack control over their images and narratives,” the NGO said.

PS The Children also voiced its concerns about the prevalence of children being used as content for social media postings, particularly on TikTok as it not only compromises the child’s privacy and autonomy but also poses significant risks related to normalisation of grooming behaviours.

The NGO also stressed the importance of addressing issues surrounding the safety, privacy, and autonomy of children and adults.

Positive examples regarding personal boundaries should be set by encouraging children to practise asserting their boundaries and ensuring they understand that they should not be shamed or penalised for saying no to adults.

"We call upon our community to speak out against inappropriate behaviours towards children.

"We must create an environment where children feel safe and valued and where their rights are respected,” PS The Children added.

The NGO also urged Malaysians to advocate against sexual and sexist jokes directed at children, as highlighted by the #MakeSchoolASafePlace campaign led by Ain Husniza. – Bernama

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Nation

3D geological model of KL being updated, says ministry
Daim Zainuddin passes away
Sibu retiree fleeced out of RM136,000 in online business scam
Close bilateral ties between Malaysia and China is a core diplomatic policy, says Dr Wee
Occupational injuries, work-related deaths declined steeply over past decade, says HR Minister
Four safe-cracking Vietnamese burglars shot dead at Jalan Imbi
National nuclear tech policy set to drive socioeconomic growth, generate export value of RM2.4bil by 2030
Ministry seizes 11 tons of controlled goods in Sarawak
Malaysia to review aid mechanism for injured Palestinians, says PM Anwar
Nearly RM45mil channelled to Gaza since last October

Others Also Read