Malaysia Moves to Ban Social Media Use for Children Under 16 Starting Next Year
Malaysia is preparing to take a major step in protecting young people online. Beginning next year, the government plans to prohibit children under the age of 16 from using social media platforms. This decision was officially confirmed by the Minister of Communications, who said the move is part of a broader effort to guard young users from harmful online experiences. As digital platforms continue to shape the lives of children and teenagers, Malaysian authorities believe it is necessary to introduce stronger rules to ensure a safer online environment.
The Minister explained that the government is currently reviewing age-restriction policies used in other countries, especially Australia, to help guide Malaysia’s approach. Australia has already passed a law banning social media use for children under 16, and many other countries have begun looking into similar rules. The Malaysian government hopes to adopt best practices from these international examples to create an effective and enforceable system within the country.
One of the key goals behind the proposed restriction is to protect young people from online threats. In recent years, issues such as cybercrime, financial fraud, and sexual exploitation have become more widespread on the internet. Criminals increasingly use social media platforms to target vulnerable individuals, including children who may not fully understand the risks. The Minister stressed that keeping children under 16 away from social media is one way to reduce their exposure to such dangers.
Another major concern is the growing impact of social media on mental health. Around the world, experts have warned that constant online engagement can affect the emotional well-being of young people. Many studies suggest that heavy use of social platforms may increase feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and low self-esteem among children and teenagers. Malaysia’s decision comes at a time when these concerns are being discussed internationally.
Just earlier this month, Denmark introduced restrictions on social media use for children under 15, showing that this is not a problem faced by Malaysia alone. Countries in different regions are beginning to recognize that young users need better protection from the pressures of online life. The rise of cyberbullying, the spread of inappropriate content, and the addictive nature of social media have all contributed to growing public worry.
The Minister expressed hope that social media companies will cooperate with the government’s plan. The idea is that platforms should not allow account creation for users under the age of 16. This would require companies to put stronger age-verification systems in place. While some platforms already ask for a user’s age when creating an account, the Minister believes that more reliable methods are needed to ensure the policy can be properly enforced.
Malaysia is not alone in facing challenges when dealing with large tech companies. In the United States, for example, several legal actions have been taken against major social media platforms. These lawsuits argue that companies have failed to protect young users from harmful content and addictive features. The global conversation about the responsibility of social media companies is growing, and Malaysia’s new policy adds another voice to that discussion.
Although the government is confident about the benefits of the ban, the new rule is expected to generate public debate. Some parents, educators, and experts may welcome the move, seeing it as a necessary measure to keep children safe. Others might worry about how realistic or practical it will be to enforce such a rule at home or in schools. Many teenagers today rely on social media not only for entertainment but also for communication, learning, and community support. Because of this, some critics may argue that banning social media entirely could limit young people’s digital skills or reduce their ability to connect with others.
However, supporters of the policy believe that safety must come first. They argue that children are not yet mature enough to handle the pressures, risks, and responsibilities that come with using social platforms. They also note that children can still access the internet for educational purposes without needing to use social media apps.
As Malaysia prepares to roll out the new restriction next year, more details are expected to emerge regarding how the policy will be enforced. The government may provide guidelines for parents, schools, and tech companies. For example, there might be new rules about parental consent, stronger identification checks when creating accounts, or penalties for companies that fail to comply.
The Minister also emphasized that this policy is part of a wider strategy to create a safer digital environment for everyone, not just children. Malaysia aims to promote responsible online behavior, reduce the spread of harmful content, and encourage digital literacy among all age groups. By starting with stronger protections for young people, the government hopes to set a foundation for a healthier digital future.
Around the world, the debate about children and social media is likely to continue. As technology evolves, governments, companies, and families will need to work together to find the right balance between access and safety. For now, Malaysia’s new plan represents a bold step toward addressing these concerns and prioritizing the well-being of its youngest citizens.
