Kuala lumpur: The move to set a minimum age of 16 for social media use should not be seen as limiting children's digital access, but as a measure to educate and better prepare them to navigate the online space safely and responsibly. Children's Commissioner Associate Professor Dr Mohd Al Adib Samuri said the proposal is a key step in reducing early exposure to risks such as harmful content, cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, and privacy breaches. He also suggested that the government develop an enforcement model suited to Malaysia's context, in line with children's rights principles.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, a sound policy protects children from harm while safeguarding their right to learn, grow, and gradually engage in the digital world. Dr Mohd Al Adib noted that different approaches may be needed based on age, risk level, and type of platform. He emphasized that higher-risk platforms could face stricter controls, but digital spaces focused on education, communication, and self-development should remain accessible.
CPC International managing director and child psychologist Dr Noor Aishah Rosli supported the age limit proposal, stating that setting the minimum age at 16 is appropriate from a developmental perspective. At this age, individuals are generally more capable of abstract thinking and emotional regulation, enabling more mature online interactions. She highlighted that the age limit could help reduce risks among minors, including anxiety, depression, stress, and social media addiction.
Dr Noor Aishah also emphasized the need for proper regulation and active parental involvement in allowing minors to own devices and access social media. She pointed out that while it is essential for children to develop a social identity, overly strict restrictions may lead to resistance. Instead, parents should guide children towards beneficial content.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Cyber Consumer Association (MCCA) president Siraj Jalil stated that the proposed age limit must be complemented by stronger digital literacy from an early stage of education. He noted that digital literacy is crucial, as the online environment is now an integral part of everyday life. Without proper digital literacy, users may misuse platform features and struggle to distinguish between accurate and false information. Siraj proposed that digital literacy education include modules on managing digital identity, cyber threats, device security, verifying information sources, and understanding the benefits, risks, and potential misuse of artificial intelligence (AI).
National Parents-Teachers Association Consultative Council (PIBGN) president Associate Professor Datuk Dr Mohamad Ali Hasan described the proposal as a progressive step towards ensuring a safer online environment. He urged the government to clearly outline how the policy will be implemented to ensure it achieves its intended goals, noting the need for clarity on enforcement and platform involvement.
Earlier, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil mentioned that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is still conducting engagement sessions with relevant stakeholders. The process aims to gather comprehensive feedback, address concerns, and ensure the government's goal of protecting children and families online is achieved. The regulation is expected to be introduced as early as June.