Heart of the Matter Podcast: Online grooming of kids - What stronger safeguards are needed?
Should there be stronger legislation to stop kids younger than 18 years old from accessing dating apps? What can parents do to prevent their children from falling victim to online sexual predators? Guests on Heart of the Matter weigh in.
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A recent CNA investigation showed that it is easy for kids under 18 to go on dating apps and chat with strangers online, making them more vulnerable to sexual predators. Should there be greater legislation to protect children and what can parents do to prevent their children from becoming victims?
Steven Chia speaks to Shem Yao, manager of digital wellness at TOUCH Wellness Group, Jiow Hee Jhee, associate professor and programme leader at the Singapore Institute of Technology and Marilyn Low, a parent coach and mother.
We are seeing more and more young people being open to the idea of meeting strangers online to build connection, to build friendships ... therefore people tend to let their guard down.
Our children are actually just seeking that connection ... these predators prey on them because our children are vulnerable.
Jump to these key moments:
- 2:05 The reduced fear of "stranger danger" now
- 4:06 Having difficult conversations
- 7:43 How do we know if kids are being groomed?
- 11:00 Does banning screentime work?
- 12:25 Can platforms do more to protect kids?
- 19:50 How parents can understand a child's online world
