| Summary: | This research paper investigates the psychological and physical impacts of cybersex addiction among children in Peninsular Malaysia. Utilising a quantitative approach, data was collected from 750 respondents aged 13 to 17, equally distributed across Malay, Chinese, and Indian ethnicities. This study aims to explore the factors contributing to cybersex addiction and its effects on children's well-being. The findings reveal that individual factors, peer influence, and technological advancements significantly influence psychological damage. Children's propensity for cybersex addiction is attributed to factors such as loneliness, curiosity, and an inability to resist desires. Moreover, prolonged screen time and exposure to objectionable content exacerbate psychological distress. Parental neglect of monitoring digital activities further exacerbates these issues. Similarly, physical damage is evident, with cybersex addiction leading to behavioral changes, academic decline, and social isolation. Aggressive behaviour and school refusal are common manifestations, exacerbated by excessive digital device usage. Peer influence also plays a significant role, with children emulating the negative behaviors of peers addicted to cybersex. This study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive interventions to address cybersex addiction among children. Efforts should focus on enhancing parental supervision, promoting responsible technology use, and fostering positive peer relationships. By addressing these factors, policymakers, educators, and parents can mitigate the detrimental impacts of cybersex addiction and promote the well-being of children in Peninsular Malaysia. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.
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