Heart of the Matter Podcast: Online grooming of kids - What stronger safeguards are needed?

[LaksaNews]

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.

Shem Yao:

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.

(From left) Steven Chia, parenting coach Marilyn Low, Shem Yao from TOUCH Wellness Group and Associate Professor Jio Hee Jhee from the Singapore Institute of Technology. (Photo: CNA/Tiffany Ang)
Marilyn Low:

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

Find more episodes of Heart of the Matter here.

A new episode of Heart of the Matter drops every Friday. Follow the podcast on Apple or Spotify for the latest updates.

Have a great topic for us? Drop the team an email at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sg

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