Stop Flaunting Children's Privacy! Recognise Cyber Grooming Lurking on Social Media

Social media is often used by its users as a digital memory album. For parents, it is sometimes difficult to restrain themselves from sharing adorable moments when their child takes their first steps, wears cute clothes, or simply acts silly in front of the camera.

This phenomenon is known as sharenting, a combination of the words sharing and parenting. However, behind every like and complimentary comment that comes in, there lies a risk that we rarely consider deeply.

The Indonesian Commission for Child Protection (KPAI) has reminded parents to be more selective and vigilant. It turns out that every piece of information we upload can become a “map” for digital predators to carry out a very dangerous action, namely cyber grooming.

Social media users may often think that sharing photos of their children is normal as a form of affection and pride. However, for criminals, those photos are raw data that is extremely valuable.

KPAI member Kawiyan conveyed how crucial the role of parents is as the first filter of information in the virtual world. According to him, the increase in children’s activities in the digital space must be accompanied by a high level of vigilance.

This seemingly boundless digital space harbours threats that occur subtly, neatly, and systematically. This crime does not always come in the form of crude hacking, but through a highly manipulative emotional approach.

“The importance of the strategic role of parents in preventing online-based violence against children, especially cyber grooming, which is increasing along with the rapid activity of children in the digital space. Parents need to rethink and be selective in doing sharenting,” he said on Thursday (23/4/2026).