KUALA LUMPUR: Parents and guardians should monitor their children's online activity and also not allow them to go on holiday alone or stay overnight at homes of those whom they don't trust, said a criminologist.
Datuk Seri Dr Akhbar Satar said this was because studies revealed that nine out of 10 sexual offenders, particularly paedophiles, were those close to the victim's mother.
He said preventing these crimes should not be the sole responsibility of the police but also the parents.
"Parents must put aside their discomfort about discussing children's sexual education.
"They should teach them to identify body parts and safe touches so they understand what are appropriate.
"They need to be alert and respond if an adult seems overly keen on befriending children.
"Check daycare centres regularly and do not allow children to walk alone, go on holiday or stay overnight with people whom they don't trust."
A school bus driver, 24, was recently caught recording videos of young girls, sparking an uproar.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri had instructed the Child Development Department to file a police report and expressed readiness to cooperate with the Sexual, Women, and Children's Crime Investigation Division in Johor to assist in the investigation.
The driver was arrested by Kluang police last Friday and remanded in custody for five days on two charges.
Akhbar reminded parents not to trust someone solely based on their title, status or position, as sexual offenders were often employed in environments full of children.
He said parental support and guidance from counsellors were crucial for victims of sexual harassment to recover.
"Experts say some parents of children who experience sexual abuse may also face mental health issues, which can contribute to mental health problems for future generations.
"In July, the Internet Watch Foundation and the United Nations Children's Fund identified that advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are being exploited to produce child sexual abuse material via the dark web.
"Paedophiles are using AI to manipulate images of children, making them appear naked or involved in online sexual grooming.
"So law enforcement agencies, cybersecurity experts and ethical hackers must work to boost child safety and prevent sexual abuse and online exploitation."