Prepared by Yohendran Nadar Arulthevan
1 November 2024
On July 5, 2024, Malaysians woke up to the news of social media influencer Rajeswary Appahu found dead by apparent suicide in her home, a day after she lodged a police report about online threats she had been receiving(1). The news of her death left her family, friends, and social media followers reeling from shock and grief. Adding to their anguish, one of her bullies was fined only RM100—an outcome that many Malaysians found deeply unjust, highlighting the glaring gaps in our current legal and regulatory frameworks against online harassment(2).
As social media increasingly permeates the lives of young Malaysians, the risks they face are manifold and evident. For many teens, social media is not merely a tool but an integral part of their daily lives, shaping how they connect with peers, consume content, and navigate their world. But what risks to their online safety and well-being arise from this constant engagement with social media platforms?
The Threat of Online Harassment
Online harassment such as cyberbullying and trolling (deliberate posting of provocative, irrelevant, or offensive comments online to elicit reactions or disturb others) has become one of the most pervasive challenges facing teens on social media platforms today. Unlike traditional bullying, the digital landscape offers anonymity and an expansive reach, facilitating various forms of abuse that are harder to identify and even more challenging to address. From rude comments and rumour-spreading to sharing embarrassing photos, making threats, and soliciting inappropriate conversations, cyberbullying manifests in many insidious ways(3).
Despite these differences, both forms of bullying inflict similar emotional scars, often leading to feelings of isolation, depression, and low self-esteem. Alarmingly, a 2022 survey by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) revealed that youth under 20 were the most frequent victims of cyberbullying, encountering harassment, dissing, and even cyberstalking(4). Compounding this grim picture, the Ministry of Health reported that one in five Malaysian teens had bullied or harassed someone online or via electronic devices that same year(5). The latest data on cyberbullying among Malaysian teens—encompassing both victims and perpetrators—underscores a deeply troubling and concerning situation.
Risks to Privacy and Data Security
It is crucial to recognise the numerous dangers associated with privacy and data security. Sharing daily activities, personal information, and contact details online has become commonplace, especially among teens who are often influenced by peer pressure and online trends to overshare. As the lines between what should and should not be shared become increasingly blurred, the risks of personal information being leaked or stolen increase. These risks encompass identity theft, scams, doxxing (the public release of private or personal information about an individual without their consent), blackmail, and hacking.
A 2022 survey by MCMC highlighted that individuals under 20 were particularly vulnerable, experiencing the highest rates of fraud and scams(6). This vulnerability may stem from their frequent online interactions, limited experience with online security practices, or heightened susceptibility to social engineering. The emotional impact on victims can be severe, with feelings of panic, anxiety, and violation resulting from the misuse or exposure of their private information. Furthermore, the long-term consequences of such breaches can affect a victim’s overall sense of security and trust in online interactions.
Online Predatory Dangers
There is also the hidden threat of online predators. These predators use manipulative grooming tactics to gradually gain trust, often enticing victims with promises of money or gifts in exchange for sexual images or videos, or employing threats and blackmail to coerce them into sexual acts. This creates a perilous and deceitful environment that preys on our most vulnerable. A 2022 UNICEF report revealed that 4% of internet-using children aged 12–17 in Malaysia had experienced clear forms of online sexual exploitation and abuse(7). While this figure might seem modest, it is deeply concerning that up to half of these children chose not to disclose their experiences(8). The psychological and emotional impact on victims of online sexual exploitation and abuse can be profoundly devastating, making it difficult for them to build trusting relationships in the future. Fears of not being believed, being judged, facing repercussions from their abuser, or not knowing how to seek help compounds the silence.
Addressing the Urgent Need for Change
It is clear that Malaysian teens face significant risks on social media platforms, including online harassment, privacy and data security challenges, and vulnerability to online predators. The profound emotional and psychological impact of these risks on the growth and development of our youth underscores the urgent need for comprehensive change. While the primary responsibility falls on social media platforms to enhance safety guidelines, content moderation, and reporting mechanisms, it is imperative for all Malaysians to actively participate. Collective advocacy for platform accountability, responsible digital behaviour and practices, and support for robust online safety policies are essential.
This article is Part 1 of a three-part series that forms part of a broader study on online teen safety in Malaysia, which will showcase key insights. The complete findings will be presented in a report scheduled for release at the end of this year. Part 2 will dive into teens' attitudes and behaviours regarding online safety, and Part 3 will examine strategies to enhance teen safety and digital wellbeing.
Yohendran Nadar Arulthevan is a research consultant at Social and Economic Research Initiative (SERI). SERI is a non-partisan think-tank dedicated to the promotion of evidence-based policies that address issues of inequality. Visit www.seri.my or email hello@seri.my for more information.
References :
Charles Ramendran and Geraldine Tong, “New Rules Mulled After Activist’s Death,” The Star, July 7, 2024
Keran, “Only RM100? – Many Unhappy Over Paltry Fine Slapped Against Shalini Periasamy in Cyberbullying Case,” TRP, July 17, 2024
Institute for Public Health (IPH), “Technical Report National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2022: Adolescent Health Survey, Malaysia,” 2022
Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), “Internet User Survey 2022,” 2022
Institute for Public Health (IPH), “Technical Report National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2022: Adolescent Health Survey, Malaysia,” 2022
Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), “Internet User Survey 2022,” 2022
ECPAT, INTERPOL, and UNICEF, “Disrupting Harm in Malaysia: Evidence on online child sexual exploitation and abuse” (Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children, 2022)
ECPAT, INTERPOL, and UNICEF, “Disrupting Harm in Malaysia: Evidence on online child sexual exploitation and abuse” (Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children, 2022)
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