Protecting children online requires balance


I REFER to the government’s proposal to ban social media accounts for children aged 16 and below starting next year.

The intention behind the proposal is understandable. Online harms involving minors, including cyberbullying, grooming, sexual exploitation, scams and exposure to harmful content, have become increasingly serious. Parents are struggling while enforcement agencies face growing digital threats that evolve faster than regulations.

The Star Christmas Special Promo: Save 35% OFF Yearly. T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Social media; children

Next In Letters

Why 2026 will test our ability to think for ourselves
Gaza’s children never signed up for lives full of trauma
The year we forgot to ask
Penang State Structure Plan 2040: Procedural fairness lacking in ‘public consultations’ must be rectified
The generation gap in mental health
Public health must not be traded for short-term profits
A free press is not a luxury, but a necessity
Growing debt trap for Malaysia’s youth
Beyond the verdict: Justice, civility and the dignity of the nation we choose to be
'Dr' title no trivial matter: MMC must uphold professional standards

Others Also Read