Malaysia has announced plans to restrict children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms, echoing Australia’s recent move to curb online activity by minors. The decision, announced on Sunday with limited details, follows weeks of heightened scrutiny of social media companies in Malaysia. Officials have cited concerns over the impact of online exposure on young users, emphasizing the need for digital safety measures.
Under the proposed measures, parents would be required to use parental controls to manage their children’s online activity, with the government setting strict guidelines on content filtering and screen time limits. The initiative is part of a broader effort to protect minors from cyberbullying, misinformation, and potential exposure to harmful content. However, critics argue that the policy may infringe on children’s right to free expression and access to information.
The move has been met with mixed reactions. While some parents and educators support the government’s initiative, others warn that the regulation could stifle open communication between youth and their families. Meanwhile, social media companies have called for more comprehensive digital literacy programs to empower young users rather than imposing blanket restrictions.
The government has not yet released specific details on how the policy will be implemented. However, it has stated that the measure is in line with international standards for youth protection on the internet. As the regulations take effect in the coming weeks, the effectiveness and long-term impact of the policy will be closely watched.