Watch out for indecent chat stickers on kids' phones, parents warned

New Straits Times

4 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Parents should be vigilant for sexually suggestive chat stickers on their children's phones or social media accounts, as they can be a sign of online grooming.
Bukit Aman Sexual, Women and Children Investigations Division principal assistant director, Senior Assistant Commissioner Siti Kamsiah Hassan said online grooming can escalate into sexual crimes.
She said sexual predators often begin by building what seems like a friendly relationship, pretending to be fans, friends, or even celebrities.
"This is typically started by sending explicit stickers under the guise of a joke to test the victim's response," she said. "They slowly build trust by offering compliments, promises of gifts, or sweet talk."
Kamsiah said perpetrators may then ask for photos or videos, or initiate sexual conversations.
She said all of this happens in seemingly private digital spaces, such as on WhatsApp or other social media platforms.
"Children are often targeted due to their limited emotional maturity, making it harder for them to distinguish right from wrong or understand the consequences of such interactions," she said.
She said such actions may constitute criminal offences under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act, including communicating sexually with a minor.
"In these situations, it could be as simple as sending text, images, or videos with sexual elements, including lewd stickers, even if the child does not respond," Kamsiah said.
She urged parents to educate their children about digital boundaries.
"Monitor the apps your children use, and know who their digital friends are," she said.
"Don't dismiss lewd stickers as harmless jokes. They can be the gateway to sexual crimes.