Preventing Identities of Children Involved in Child Protection Cases from Being Publicised or Disclosed

Mr Lee Hong Chuang asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) what are the existing safeguards to protect the identities of children involved in child protection cases from being publicised or disclosed by their own parents; (b) what specific challenges does the Ministry face in implementing and enforcing these safeguards; and (c) what more can be done to better protect the identities of children in such cases.

There are existing safeguards under the Children and Young Persons Act (CYPA) to protect the identities of children involved in child protection cases. Under Section 111(1), any person, including parents, is prohibited from publishing or broadcasting any information or picture that identifies, or is likely to lead to the identification of, a child who is or had been the subject of a CYPA investigation.

In practice, where such content is posted, the Ministry of Social and Family Development will first advise parents and seek their cooperation to remove it. Most comply. Where they do not, we may notify the relevant platforms, apply to the Court under Section 111(2) for removal and, as a last resort, refer the matter to the Police.

Parents involved in CYPA investigations often have to deal with many issues happening in their family and may not be in the best emotional state. They may not fully appreciate the risks of online disclosure. This can compromise the child's privacy, safety and emotional well-being. It can also undermine the work of professionals and affect ongoing interventions for the family. Parents should raise feedback or concerns through appropriate and confidential channels, where they can be addressed with the child's interest as a priority.

We will continue to strengthen public education and work with parents to better safeguard the identities of children.