UNAIR NEWS – A disturbing case recently emerged involving a young child who committed sodomy against a toddler. Incidents of sexual abuse involving underage perpetrators demand serious attention. Dr. Ike Herdiana, S.Psi., M.Psi., a psychologist and lecturer at Universitas Airlangga’s Faculty of Psychology, shared her insights on this alarming issue.
“Sexual abuse—particularly sodomy—committed by children is a deeply concerning and complex problem, influenced by multiple factors,” Dr. Herdiana explained. These factors often include a history of sexual trauma, inadequate sexual education, and unsafe social environments that fail to instill proper boundaries.
Pornography exposure in children
Recent developments suggest the eight-year-old perpetrator in this case had been exposed to pornography. This trend raises significant concern, as modern digital technology makes explicit content easily accessible—even to children.
Dr. Herdiana emphasized the importance of parental involvement when a child is exposed to pornography. She advised parents to remain calm and use age-appropriate language to educate their children. Equally important is building a long-term relationship based on openness and trust.
“Don’t react with anger or harsh judgment. Doing so may cause children to become fearful and lie in the future,” she said. “Approach the situation with empathy, and be willing to listen without interrupting.”
She also described behavioral red flags that may indicate a child is at risk of becoming a perpetrator. These include using sexually explicit or adult terminology inappropriate for their age, difficulty regulating emotions, and an unusual interest in or disregard for personal boundaries.
Support for both victims and perpetrators
Dr. Herdiana strongly advocated for professional intervention for both the victim and the perpetrator. Children who commit abuse should undergo thorough psychological or psychiatric assessments, followed by therapy aimed at developing empathy, accountability, and emotional regulation.
She also stressed the need for psychological support for both families involved. Family therapy, she explained, can foster healthy child development and help build a safe and nurturing home environment. “To prevent child-perpetrated sexual abuse, it’s essential to identify early warning signs, monitor children’s social interactions, and regulate their access to digital content,” Dr. Herdiana concluded.
Author: Afifah Alfina
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
