Smartphone addiction among kids fuelling sexual crimes, says deputy Mufti
Without parents realising, many of these children enjoyed looking at images or videos that depicted sexual content or criminal acts.
KOTA BHARU - Smartphone addiction is one of the main causes of social ills that have led to a rise in criminal cases, incest and rape.
Kelantan Deputy Mufti Datuk Nik Abdul Kadir Nik Mohamad said nearly every child now owned a smartphone and could access social media platforms.
He said that without parents realising, many of these children enjoyed looking at images or videos that depicted sexual content or criminal acts.
“These children like to gather and talk while viewing various things on social media and they are easily influenced. This situation is very dangerous,” he said.
He shared these thoughts when asked to comment on the increasing number of sexual crimes and incest cases involving children in the state.
He also expressed his disappointment over the fact that the habit of holding and looking at smartphones could be seen everywhere, even inside the mosque while preparing to perform prayers.
“Everywhere we go, even in mosques, we can see people still glued to their smartphones,” he added.
Nik Abdul Kadir emphasised that the root of these issues lies in a lack of religious grounding which could be curbed through proper education at school and consistent parental supervision.
“Today’s parents should be more concerned and provide sufficient religious education as a spiritual shield in the hereafter.
“Parents who prioritise Islamic teachings will raise children who understand religious obligations,” he said.
Earlier, Nik Abdul Kadir joined the Subuh prayer with over 2,000 congregants, led by Chief Imam II, Nik Mohd Afif Azhan Nik Mohd Naidi, and distributed Hari Raya Aidilfitri donations to children. Also present was Chief Imam I of Masjid Jamek Muhammadi Hairul Azizi Mokhtar.
Previously, media reports revealed that Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat revealed a total of 252 rape and incest cases recorded in the state, a significant rise compared to 206 cases in 2023.
Most of these cases involved minors as both victims and perpetrators, with some girls as young as 10 and boys aged 11 involved. Shockingly, some of these incidents have even led to pregnancies.
Authorities are also concerned that many of the reported cases involve consensual acts between underaged individuals, revealing a troubling trend in child and adolescent behaviour.
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