Malaysia to ban social media for children under 16 next year

Malaysia to Ban Social Media for Children Under 16 Next Year

The Malaysian government has announced plans to prohibit children under 16 from accessing social media platforms, with the regulation expected to take effect next year.

Objectives of the Ban

• Protecting youth: Prevent early exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and misinformation.

• Mental health: Reduce negative impacts of heavy social media use on adolescents’ emotional well-being.

How It Will Work

• Platforms will implement age verification systems to restrict access.

• Parents may be involved in monitoring and controlling their children’s social media usage.

Reactions and Debate

• Some experts see it as a positive step for child protection in an increasingly digital world.

• Critics argue it may lead teens to circumvent restrictions using adult accounts or VPNs instead of promoting responsible usage.

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