KUALA LUMPUR — Our children are growing up in a digital world — connected, curious, and, all too often, completely exposed.
In this vital episode of The WOW Show, hosts Shazmin Shamsuddin and Joanne Kam Poh Poh dive headfirst into the dark underbelly of the online world: cyberbullying, grooming, and the urgent need to protect children in the digital age.
Joining the conversation are two powerhouse guests: Dr Shamir Rajadurai, a seasoned crime prevention specialist and co-founder of Prevent Crime Now, whose career has been dedicated to helping law enforcement and civilians anticipate and prevent criminal behaviour; and Saskia Blume, Chief of Child Protection at Unicef Malaysia, whose work spans across countries and systems to ensure vulnerable children are seen, heard, and protected.
Together, they unravel the disturbing rise in cyber threats targeting children — not just through social media, but also through online games, messaging apps, and seemingly harmless platforms.
“Many parents still think cyberbullying is just a few mean words on Instagram,” says Dr Shamir.
“But it often escalates into something far more dangerous — including grooming, sextortion, and even trafficking.”
Saskia underscores the danger with sobering insights from the ground: “It’s really underestimated what a huge issue this is. Unicef did research on child sexual exploitation and abuse online two years ago with Interpol, MCMC and the Ministry of Women and Community Development and found that four per cent of children in Malaysia reported having experienced some form of sexual exploitation online.”
But this episode doesn’t just stop at the problem — it’s packed with prevention strategies and practical advice.
From how to spot subtle changes in your child’s behaviour, to the red flags in their digital habits, this is a must-listen for any parent, educator, or concerned adult.
The conversation also turns to systemic solutions. Dr Shamir calls for more agile laws and stronger enforcement, while Saskia highlights the gaps in digital education and support for frontline child protection workers.
“Regulation is important,” she says, “but so is empowering parents and communities — especially mothers — to be digital defenders in their own homes.”
This episode is a wake-up call and a roadmap. Whether you’re a mother, a teacher, or simply someone who cares, this conversation offers not just awareness, but action.
Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all major platforms. — July 17, 2025