The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) has issued a renewed warning to parents about the growing risks of cyber grooming, urging families to exercise greater caution in how they share information about children on social media platforms.
KPAI member Kawiyan said in Jakarta on Thursday that parents play a central role in preventing online violence against children, particularly in an era where digital exposure among minors continues to increase rapidly.
He stressed that cyber grooming has become one of the most serious forms of online exploitation, driven by expanding internet access and children’s growing presence across digital platforms.
According to him, parents need to reconsider their online habits, especially the practice known as sharenting, which refers to the routine sharing of children’s photos, videos, and personal information on social media and other digital channels.
Kawiyan explained that while sharenting is often done with good intentions, it can unintentionally expose children to risks if sensitive information becomes widely accessible to strangers online.
He noted that cyber grooming involves a gradual and manipulative process in which perpetrators build trust with children through digital communication, often disguising their intentions before moving toward exploitation.
This process, he said, typically unfolds in stages and is designed to appear harmless at first, making it difficult for both children and parents to detect early warning signs.
Because of its subtle nature, cyber grooming can go unnoticed for long periods, allowing perpetrators to strengthen emotional control over victims without raising immediate suspicion.
Kawiyan warned that excessive sharenting can provide potential offenders with valuable information, enabling them to identify, track, or even target children more easily in online environments.
He emphasized that even seemingly harmless posts can contribute to a digital footprint that may be exploited by malicious actors.
Cyber grooming, he added, is particularly dangerous because it often begins with friendly interactions that gradually shift into manipulative behavior aimed at gaining emotional trust.
Once trust is established, perpetrators may attempt to isolate victims or encourage secrecy, making it even harder for parents or guardians to intervene.
Kawiyan said this evolving threat highlights the urgent need for stronger digital literacy among parents, teachers, and communities to better recognize and prevent early signs of online exploitation.
He stressed that awareness alone is not sufficient unless accompanied by practical steps to limit unnecessary exposure of children’s personal data online.
The KPAI official also called for families to adopt safer digital practices, including reviewing privacy settings on social media platforms and avoiding the publication of identifiable information such as school locations, daily routines, or personal contact details.
He added that collaboration between families, schools, and authorities is essential in building a safer online environment for children.
According to him, cyber safety is no longer an optional concern but a core component of modern parenting in the digital age.
Kawiyan further emphasized that protecting children in online spaces requires continuous vigilance, as perpetrators often adapt their tactics alongside technological developments.
He said that strengthening education around digital risks should begin early, ensuring that both parents and children understand how online interactions can carry real-world consequences.
The KPAI also encouraged broader community involvement in reporting suspicious online behavior and supporting preventive education programs focused on child protection in cyberspace.
As digital platforms continue to expand their influence in daily life, the commission warned that the risks associated with oversharing are likely to increase unless proactive measures are taken.
Ultimately, KPAI reiterated that safeguarding children online is a shared responsibility that demands consistent awareness, responsible digital behavior, and stronger collective commitment from all stakeholders in society.
