PETALING JAYA: A blanket social media ban for all kids below 16, without proper safeguards and supporting measures, may only worsen anxiety and social isolation among children, say experts.
This was in response to a rising wave of anxiety disorders among children in Malaysia and many other countries since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Consultant paediatrician Datuk Dr Amar Singh HSS said the overall impact of a social media ban on children may vary heavily for certain groups.
“For those who are more reserved or are from marginalised segments of society, social media can be a key support system.
“A ban could cause them to lose that support and increase social isolation, worsening their anxiety.
“Any social media ban would also create a vacuum, so how will this be filled?
“This will depend heavily on the availability of their familial and in-person relationships but if these are not available, then a ban would be ineffective at curbing anxiety,” he said when contacted.
To resolve this, Dr Amar said parents must use the opportunity of a social media ban by cutting back on their own social media use and spending quality time with their children.
He also called on the government to create more opportunities for teens to interact, preferably outdoors and in nature, serving as alternatives to social media.
“If we want children to change, the adults need to lead by example.
“Social media is not the problem. How we use or abuse it is the issue.
Parent Action Group for Education chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim echoed similar concerns, saying a blanket ban without support structures, digital literacy and safe alternatives could backfire.
“Experts have already stressed that a more nuanced regulation together with education on social media would be more effective,” she said.
Noor Azimah added that encouraging kids to pursue closer real-life interactions and friendships, as well as a healthier lifestyle with exercise and sufficient sleep, would be an alternative way to address anxiety among children.
“Strong friendships and a sense of belonging will provide a buffer, while schools and parents should also work together to incorporate emotional literacy into daily routines,” she noted.
Child clinical psychologist Dr Noor Aishah Rosli said a social media ban for those under 16 would be useful, but should be implemented in gradual phases to avoid any sudden negative effects.
“Children must also be given digital education on social media while parents guide them and monitor their usage,” she said.
To address anxiety among children, Dr Noor Aishah suggested that parents set realistic expectations by focusing on emotional well-being rather than academic pressure.
“There must be frequent clear and casual communication between parents and children.
“Make it a habit to ask children about anything and seek their opinions, as this helps them feel that they have parents to turn to, trust and feel close to,” she added.
Clinical psychologist Dr Joel Low said children would likely need an initial adjustment period after the ban, particularly for teenagers who have been using these platforms extensively.
To help these teenagers better adjust, he said the public and government should push to build self-confidence and teach them how to cope with anxiety.
“We must teach children to understand that we are all our own person with our own strengths and weaknesses.
“Kids should also be thought that anxiety itself isn’t always a bad thing as it is crucial to help them stay alert and identify when something is awry.
“So long as it doesn’t reach extreme levels, anxiety is a warning sign for us to get moving, do things ourselves and to get things done,” he said.
On Nov 23, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the government proposed a ban on Malaysians below 16 from creating social media accounts starting sometime this year.
