PETALING JAYA: Authorities should adopt a more realistic and nuanced approach when drafting laws to hold parents accountable for their children’s online behaviour, stakeholders suggest.
Muhammad Hazrel Ariff, 42, who has a 15-year-old daughter, said while the intention behind the law was commendable, there needed to be a clear framework that considered intent and human error.
“As a parent, I think it is a good law, but we must specify how this translates into neglect or culpability. There must be a mechanism to determine if a crime was committed through intentional neglect,” he told The Star.
Hazrel highlighted the lengths children go to conceal their actions using certain apps, questioning whether parents who make genuine monitoring efforts should still face liability.
Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim, chairman of the Parent Action Group for Education (PAGE), echoed these sentiments, warning that a blanket law may not account for the varied realities faced by families.
“Expecting all parents to consistently monitor their children’s online activity may not be entirely feasible. Many juggle demanding work schedules or caregiving responsibilities,” she said.
“Digital literacy levels also vary widely; some parents may not fully understand the platforms their children use or recognise online risks like grooming, cyberbullying or misinformation.”
She acknowledged the potential benefits of mandatory digital safety programmes for parents but cautioned about overregulation.
“It walks a fine line between promoting responsible parenting and overstepping into private life. Enforcement remains a challenge,” she added, highlighting concerns about penalties for non-compliance and accessibility for low-income or rural families.
“There’s also a risk that the law could become punitive rather than supportive, especially for parents who are struggling with other socioeconomic issues.”
Dr Farah Nini Dusuki, Children’s Commissioner to the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam), questioned the practicality of imposing such legal burdens on parents.
“The concept is good, but how do you enforce it?” she said, adding that mandatory digital safety awareness training would be more beneficial in the long run.
“Parents need to invest time and effort to understand their children’s activities online and offline. This investment pays off significantly,” she advised.
The proposed amendment to the Online Safety Act 2024 could see parents facing legal penalties, including fines and potential criminal charges, for failing to supervise their children’s online activities or neglecting to participate in mandatory digital safety programmes.
