Silent Threats: Uncovering Parental Gaps in Understanding Online Sexual Exploitation and Its Public Health Implications

Abstract

Children's lives have been profoundly changed by the explosion of digital technology, but it has also brought forth new dangers including crimes involving online sexual exploitation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the degree of parental awareness and understanding regarding the risks of online sexual exploitation of children. Seven respondents with children under the age of eighteen who lived in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, participated in in-depth interviews for this qualitative study. The results show that although the majority of parents are aware of the dangers of sexual crimes committed online, they still don't fully comprehend the types of digital crimes. Without actively seeking to expand their knowledge, most parents obtain information from government websites such as the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH). This study highlights the necessity of raising parental awareness through digitally adapted teaching platforms. This information is essential for prevention as well as for public health initiatives that safeguard the mental and emotional health of kids who are at risk of being sexually exploited online. Parents who receive digital literacy training can identify early indicators of online sexual abuse and offer victims early support. To fully address this issue, this study also recommends a cooperative strategy encompassing communities, family institutions, and the government.