As a parent of a young teenager, I believe it is time we have an honest conversation about responsibility — and who truly bears it when it comes to children and social media, said a concerned parent Vianney Paulus.
While concerns about children’s exposure to harmful online content are valid, placing the burden solely on government bans misses the point. The welfare, education and security of our children do not rest with policymakers alone. They begin at home. As parents, we cannot outsource our responsibilities to legislation, she added.
"In my own household, social media is not a forbidden subject — it is a guided one. I monitor my daughter’s screen time closely, talk openly about the risks of misinformation, cyberbullying and inappropriate content, and set clear ground rules on when, how and why social media can be used. More importantly, I ensure she feels comfortable coming to me whenever she encounters something troubling online," she said.
An Under-16 social media ban in Malaysia is unlikely to work in practice. Technology evolves faster than regulation. New platforms will continue to emerge, often beyond the scope of existing controls, potentially exposing children to even greater risks.
"And let us be realistic — children, by nature, will find ways around bans, whether through shared devices, borrowed accounts or platforms that parents and authorities have yet to notice," said Vianney.
"Rather than pushing social media into the shadows, we should equip our children to navigate it safely. When used responsibly, social media offers real benefits: access to educational content, opportunities for social connection, exposure to diverse perspectives and the development of essential digital literacy skills that today’s world demands".
The solution lies not in prohibition, but in partnership — between parents, schools, and platforms — to promote digital responsibility, critical thinking, and open communication. Laws may have a role, but they cannot replace engaged parenting.
"If we truly care about protecting our children, we must first accept that the responsibility starts with us," she said.
NOTE: Malaysia is preparing to enforce a ban on children under the age of 16 from registering for social media, with implementation expected as early as July 2026. Aligned with the Online Safety Act 2025 (effective Jan 1, 2026), this policy aims to curb cyberbullying, exploitation, and exposure to harmful content, requiring platforms to adopt eKYC age verification.
Social media platforms may be required to implement Electronic Know-Your-Customer (eKYC), potentially using MyKad, passports, or MyDigital ID for verification. The restrictions are expected to apply to major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Telegram, WhatsApp, and YouTube.
Critics raise concerns about the technical challenges of enforcement and the privacy implications of requiring personal identification for social media access.
Experts worry that a total ban might prevent young people from developing digital resilience, potentially exposing them to greater risks once they reach 16, and some may migrate to unregulated platforms.
For the record, as of December 10, 2025, Australia has implemented a world-first ban prohibiting children under 16 from accessing major social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, and YouTube. The law, aimed at protecting youth mental health and reducing online harm, places the responsibility on platforms to enforce restrictions, with potential fines of up to AU$49.5 million.
