Age-based controls limit children’s exposure to risky online spaces.—Photo from 123rf.com
AGE-BASED controls on social media platforms reduce children’s exposure to harmful content and risks related to child sexual abuse materials (CSAM), according to Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) children’s commissioner Dr Mohd Al Adib Samuri.
He said that the intention behind age-based restrictions was to protect children during a highly vulnerable stage in their development.
“Delaying access to high-risk spaces allows children more time to develop judgement, gain offline experiences and awareness before engaging fully in social media environments,” he said.
“Age-based controls reduce the number of young children in online spaces where strangers can easily contact them and where harmful content circulates.
“By limiting access during early adolescence, children are less likely to encounter predators or sexually explicit material,” he added.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil announced that the government plans to restrict social media access for children under the age of 16 starting next year.
Adib said that children under 16 are particularly vulnerable to CSAM material.
“Children under 16 are still developing emotionally and mentally, often lacking a full understanding of manipulation, consent or online risks.
“Children often use social media platforms, where predators exploit them through comments, direct messages, gaming chats or common interests.
“Predators target this age group because they are more susceptible to influence and pressure, often employing tactics like secrecy, threats or emotional manipulation,” Adib said.
He made clear that this reality is not the child’s fault but it highlights the gaps in protection, awareness and adult supervision.
CSAM refers to any materials including images, video or audio, that show a child being sexually abused or portrayed in a sexual manner.
“CSAM is not just illegal content, but evidence of real abuse happening to real children.
“There is a growing online threat that affects Malaysian children, and it requires strong and continuous action to combat,” Adib explained.
Platform responsibility
He said that the distribution of CSAM occurs through hidden online spaces, making it especially difficult to measure the scale of such crimes.
“It spreads through concealed and private channels such as closed groups, private chats, invite-only communities and sometimes the dark web.
“Offenders often use fake accounts, coded language, private links and encrypted messaging to avoid detection.
“Once a group is exposed, they quickly move to a new platform or create a new group.
“This constant movement makes enforcement challenging and shows why early detection and quick action are so important,” he said.
As a result of this, Adib asserts that social platforms must have a clear zero-tolerance policy for CSAM.
“They should cooperate fully with law enforcement, invest in detection technology and ensure that moderation works in local contexts and languages.
“Platforms must detect and remove harmful content quickly, either through in-house algorithmic screening or in response to public flagging or instructions from authorities.
“Child safety should be treated as a core responsibility,” he said.
Adib said that when it comes to protection for children, high-quality responses protect children better than large content removal numbers that come too late.
He added that without firm enforcement, social media platforms can become a safe haven for CSAM offenders.
He asserted that early detection can prevent repeated harm to the victims of CSAM.
“Each time such material is viewed or shared, the child is harmed again.
“By shutting down groups, links and accounts quickly, platforms and authorities can reduce the repeated trauma and protect the victim’s dignity,” he said.
He added that effective reporting, review and restriction mechanisms can ensure that children are exposed to less harm, offenders are disrupted more quickly and harmful content does not spread widely.
Complementary efforts
Adults in a child’s life are also responsible for the protection of children against CSAM.
“Adults play a critical role by maintaining open communication with children about online safety and encouraging them to speak up without fear,” he said.
“When a child reports something concerning, adults must respond calmly, protect the child and seek appropriate help.”
He added that measures such as setting privacy controls, monitoring screen time and recognising warning signs of distress can go a long way in child protection.
He also said that parents and teachers need practical guidance on teaching children to use the Internet safely, rather than merely issuing warnings.
“Communities also need to challenge the culture of silence around sexual abuse and support safe reporting,” he said.
He said that the age restriction policy can be effective, but only when it is backed by strict enforcement, child empowerment, as well as an increased public awareness.
