PETALING JAYA: Early use of mobile phones among children fuels addiction, which will affect their mental health, say experts.
Malaysian Cyber Consumer Association (MCCA) president Siraj Jalil said once kids get addicted to the device, they also face exploitation by criminals like paedophiles and scammers.
He said the applications on the devices are designed to be attractive, which can be addictive.
“It’s a common element used by developers to have more users, value for their app and revenue for their business.
“This is not publicly discussed because at the initial stage of app development, it’s about innovation and technology.
“But now it’s about excessive usage turning into problems.
“Although we have laws governing our behaviour online, it does not cover all aspects as every child’s algorithm is different,” he said.
Siraj added due to the fragmented nature of children’s phone usage in the digital sphere, the outcome is not seen soon, but appears 18 years later.
As such, he recommends a digital literacy subject for the future generation.
Children rights group Be My Protector vice-chairman Prof Dr Isdawati Ismail pointed out how mobile apps are designed to be addictive, using likes, notifications, and endless scrolling to keep users hooked.
“Children crave online validation and fear being excluded.
“While parents are not solely to blame, they carry a heavy responsibility, especially by giving a child a phone without guidance or supervision, which leaves them unprotected.
“Rampant cyberbullying among teenagers is also alarmingly, often driven by apps, online games and social media platforms.
“This constant pressure to seek approval can also take a serious toll on their mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, poor sleep and low self-esteem.
“In more severe cases, prolonged exposure to online harassment has been linked to self-harm and suicidal thoughts,” she said.
However, Isdawati pointed out that Malaysia has strengthened its legal framework.
Amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 enforced in February specifically address cyberbullying and harmful online content.
The Penal Code has also been updated with new provisions, including Sections 507B-507G, which provide harsher penalties for cyberbullying, including doxxing.
“The laws are in place, but enforcement and awareness remain the main challenge.
“If parents do not take time to monitor their children’s online activity, no law can fully protect them. Real change starts with stronger family connections,” she said.
Cybersecurity expert Emeritus Professor Datuk Dr Mohamed Ridza Wahiddin said in some places, including Malaysia, specific cyberbullying legislation is still inadequate, requiring stronger legal frameworks.
“Several countries have cyberbullying laws, including specific protections for minors, but gaps remain.
“Some laws address online harassment and threats, but definitions and enforcement vary. The issues exist with balancing laws and freedom of speech.”
He urged parents to share responsibility, monitor their children and educate them on safe online behaviour to minimise exposure.
Clinical psychologist Dr Noor Aishah Rosli said children often get addicted to phones because of peer pressure, lack of alternative activities and the instant gratification provided through games, videos and social media.
“All of these can affect their emotional health, academic performance, cause sleep disruptions, reduce their social skills and risk exposure to harmful content, predators and online scams.
“So they need boundaries with phone free zones, parental involvement, alternative activities and most importantly, digital literacy about the risks online,” she said.
Noor Aishah recommends that tech companies provide digital literacy and online safety through collaboration via programmes in schools.
