Kuala Lumpur: The impact of setting the minimum age for social media usage in Malaysia needs more thorough analysis, particularly involving social studies and evaluations such as the psychological effects and differences in access to information and communication between children and teenagers, the Dewan Negara was told today.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil emphasized the necessity of conducting an analysis to understand how setting a minimum age will affect children’s development. Fahmi noted the widespread use of social media and internet messaging among children, especially students, for learning and obtaining information. During Question Time, he responded to Senator Robert Lau Hui Yew, who inquired about the government’s plans to draft a bill for setting a minimum age for owning social media accounts.
Fahmi stressed the role of parents and guardians as ‘gatekeepers’ in monitoring and supervising their children’s online activities. He highlighted the importance of being aware of various online risks that could endanger children’s safety and encouraged exploring alternative content and platforms that are safer than social media.
Currently, Fahmi explained, the minimum age for social media users is determined by the terms and conditions set by social media platforms. These platforms typically set the minimum age at 13 years to comply with data protection and user safety regulations, as outlined in the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) in the United States, which many other countries also follow.
Fahmi mentioned that the government, through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), is actively implementing educational and advocacy programs to promote online safety among various societal segments, including children. The Online Safety Campaign focuses on prohibiting children under 13 years from owning social media accounts and is conducted through talks, training, collaborations with social media influencers, and the development of educational materials by MCMC.
The campaign aims to raise awareness about safe internet usage and prevent children from falling victim to online harms such as scams, fake news, love scams, cyberbullying, and online gambling.
On protecting children from exploitation, including financial transactions and social media commissions, Fahmi mentioned measures like the Code of Conduct (Best Practices) for Internet Service Providers and Social Media Service Providers developed by MCMC. This code, published on Dec 20, 2024, mandates platform providers to adopt Child Safety Measures prioritizing children’s safety.