KUALA LUMPUR: The growing trend of sharenting—where parents share photos, videos, and personal information about their children on social media, poses significant online risks.
Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (CMCF) chairman Rafiq Razali said such an act also raises concerns under the Child Act 2001 which prioritises privacy, safety, and the well-being of children.
He said parents and guardians have a fundamental responsibility to protect the dignity, safety, and rights of their children, especially in the digital realm.
"We often teach children to be cautious online, but parents can unknowingly undermine this guidance.
"Oversharing, even with good intentions, can compromise the safety, privacy, and emotional well-being of our children.
"We must pause and think before hitting the post button because the Internet never forgets," he was quoted as saying in Harian Metro.
Sharenting, a portmanteau of "sharing" and "parenting," refers to the phenomenon of parents posting images, videos, and other identifying information about their children on their social media accounts.
In a related statement, CMCF chief executive officer Mediha Mahmood also said the opportunity to monetise digital content has increased the risks of exploitation, overexposure, and misuse of children's personal data.
"When parents, teachers, or guardians prioritise profit over the well-being of children, society must advocate for stronger protections to safeguard their rights and dignity," she said.
CMCF supported Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil's recent remarks highlighting the growing dangers of sharenting, she said.
"The practice inadvertently exposes children to online threats, including identity theft and cyberstalking.
"The rise in child-related cybercrimes globally underscores the seriousness of these concerns," she said.
To address these challenges, CMCF is collaborating with technology platforms, educators, parents, and civil society organisations to enhance awareness and provide tools to protect children's safety online, she said.
"Initiatives include workshops and training programs to help parents and educators understand the risks of excessive sharing and adopt safer online habits. Partnerships with platforms like TikTok, Meta, and Google aim to strengthen privacy tools and improve family safety mechanisms," she said.
The CMCF also runs public advocacy campaigns, such as the #ThinkTwice initiative, which promotes media literacy and responsible content sharing.
"Through these efforts, we hope to build a safer online environment for children, ensuring their privacy, safety, and well-being are not compromised in the digital age," Mediha said.