MALAYSIA’S proposed restriction on social media accounts for users under 16 is increasingly being seen as a necessary and constructive response to the growing risks children face online.
The proposal is gaining support as a proactive measure to protect minors while promoting stronger digital literacy, greater parental involvement and increased accountability from social media platforms.
Education and child development experts say the move reflects a broader recognition that unregulated online exposure can have lasting consequences, particularly for younger users whose cognitive and emotional capacities are still developing.
Education expert from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Dr Anuar Ahmad said the issue requires urgent attention, noting that children in primary and lower secondary school are especially vulnerable.
“This issue warrants serious attention as it highlights the risks associated with excessive and unregulated social media use among children, particularly those in primary and lower secondary school.
“At this stage, they are highly impressionable and more vulnerable to harmful content such as pornography, cyberbullying and other negative influences that may shape inappropriate behaviour. Because they are still developing cognitively and emotionally, they are more likely to imitate what they see.
“In this context, restricting social media use for those under 16 is a constructive step, as it creates room for better supervision and protection. However, such legislation must be supported by clear oversight mechanisms, including safeguards on usage, user rights and the accountability of social media providers,” he told Sinar Daily.
He noted that Malaysia is not alone in considering such measures, pointing to countries like Australia, where similar restrictions have been introduced despite initial concerns over personal freedoms. Ultimately, he said, the protection and well-being of children must take priority.
Anuar however stressed that legislation alone is insufficient. Effective protection also depends on active parental involvement and stronger digital awareness at home.
“The success of any such law depends heavily on parental involvement. Without awareness of cyber safety and active monitoring of children’s device use, legal measures alone are unlikely to be effective.
“While enforcement can be strengthened through platform-level controls, the role of parents remains central. A lack of engagement risks reducing the law to a formality rather than a meaningful safeguard.
“Parents need to recognise that prolonged and unsupervised social media use can expose children to cyber threats, inappropriate material, bullying, scams and long-term behavioural consequences,” he said.
Anuar also highlighted the need to strengthen digital literacy within the education system, arguing that schools play a critical role in preparing children for an increasingly digital world.
“Just as earlier generations prioritised reading, writing and arithmetic, digital literacy must now be embedded as a core component of education. Children need to learn not only how to use digital platforms, but how to navigate them responsibly and understand the risks involved. Without this awareness, they may be more susceptible to cyber risks, psychological stress and mental health challenges,” he added.
Echoing the call for a more balanced approach, Parent Action Group for Education (PAGE) chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said restrictions should be complemented by long-term strategies that prepare children for digital engagement.
While a social media restriction may reduce exposure in the short term, she cautioned that it risks oversimplifying a complex issue. Children, she said, must be equipped not only with protection but also with the skills to engage responsibly.
“Delaying access without building digital literacy may simply shift the risks to a later stage, when supervision is weaker. A more sustainable approach would involve a tiered system, where access is age-appropriate, safeguards are strengthened and digital education is introduced early,” she said.
Azimah added that early exposure to social media can shape a child’s identity, behaviour and perception of reality.
“These risks go beyond screen time. They include comparison culture, unrealistic portrayals of life, distorted body image, shorter attention spans driven by short-form content and early exposure to misinformation before critical thinking skills are fully developed.
“Over time, algorithms can normalise harmful behaviours or values, influencing beliefs before children learn to question what they see. Many platforms are designed around engagement, using features like infinite scrolling, personalised feeds and intermittent rewards. These mechanisms tap into the brain’s reward system, making it difficult to disengage, especially for younger users,” she said.
In this context, she stressed that parenting must go beyond restriction. Instead, co-engagement, where parents actively guide, discuss and monitor online activity is key. This includes setting clear boundaries such as time limits and device-free spaces, while also helping children make sense of what they encounter online.
“When rules are imposed without explanation, children may hide their online activity. The goal should be to build self-regulation and awareness, not just control.”
Azimah also noted that while parental awareness of digital risks is improving, gaps remain in understanding how platforms influence behaviour.
“Many parents recognise the dangers, but fewer fully understand how platform design shapes behaviour. This limits their ability to guide children effectively.
“There is also a shared responsibility. Schools must treat digital literacy as a core life skill including understanding algorithms, identifying misinformation, practising appropriate online conduct and building emotional resilience.
“At the same time, platforms must create safer default environments for younger users, including limiting addictive features and strengthening content moderation,” she added.
She emphasised that no single measure will be sufficient. A more effective approach requires multiple layers — age-appropriate policies, active and informed parenting, structured digital education and stronger platform accountability.
“The goal is not to shield children entirely from the digital world, but to equip them with the skills and awareness to navigate it safely, critically and responsibly,” she said.
With the June deadline approaching, the pressure is on, not just for platforms to comply, but for parents, schools and policymakers to ensure the restriction is backed by the education and awareness needed to make it meaningful.
The initiative is expected to complement the Online Safety Act 2025, which came into force on Jan 1, 2026 and aims to strengthen digital protections and regulatory oversight in Malaysia’s online ecosystem.