IDAI emphasises the importance of safe spaces for children in the digital era

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Chair of the Indonesian Paediatric Society (IDAI) Dr. dr. Piprim Basarah Yanuarso, Sp.A(K) has emphasised the importance of providing children with safe spaces both in the virtual world and in real life, particularly in the digital era.

Piprim stated that in the current digital age, it is essential to be vigilant against crimes such as child grooming, which involves planned and systematic psychological manipulation by building emotional closeness, trust, and a false sense of security, putting children at risk of sexual exploitation.

“Children might not realise that this is manipulation. Especially if their parents do not provide sufficient attention or affection. When a stranger gives them attention, they become delighted, and that’s when child grooming from malicious individuals enters,” said Piprim during a media seminar attended online from Jakarta on Tuesday.

“Because there are indeed many stories about cybercrimes, including sexual crimes against children. Therefore, children must be given safe spaces both in the real world and in the social world,” Piprim added.

Piprim advised families to provide adequate attention to children. Treat children as discussion partners and friends, and do not let them thirst for affection, which risks them being easily manipulated by those who falsely support them with crimes lurking behind.

“And also, do not judge quickly when a child confides. So that children do not hesitate to talk freely to their parents if there is something wrong with a stranger approaching. Learn communication patterns and be good listeners for children. If children turn to the virtual world, that’s where criminals can enter,” Piprim stressed.

Previously, Minister of Communications and Digital Affairs (Menkomdigi) Meutya Hafid affirmed the presence of the Tunas Regulation as an urgency for Indonesia because it can safeguard privacy while protecting children’s data in the digital space.

“This regulation was born to protect children’s privacy data. Children’s privacy data is currently scattered across various social media platforms; children do not yet know which data should or should not be shared,” said Meutya in Central Jakarta on Friday (27/3) evening.