Malaysia moves to prohibit social media for kids under 16

Malaysia Takes Steps to Ban Social Media for Children Under 16

Malaysia has recently made headlines for its bold decision to limit social media usage among the youth. On Sunday, the country’s cabinet approved a significant ban on social media accounts for individuals under the age of 16, as reported by The Associated Press. This move comes amid rising global concerns regarding the negative impacts of social media on children’s mental health.

The ban is set to take effect in 2026. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated, “I believe that if the government, regulatory bodies, and parents all play their roles, we can ensure that the Internet in Malaysia is safe, especially for children and families.” Malaysia currently requires social media platforms with over eight million local users to acquire licenses that enforce age verification and safety measures.

In examining models of success, the Malaysian government looks towards Australia, which plans to implement a comprehensive social media ban for users under 16 starting December 10. Companies failing to comply could face hefty fines, making compliance crucial for popular platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.

In recent weeks, Denmark announced similar measures targeting users under 15, citing concerns over how social media disrupts young people’s sleep and mental well-being. Meanwhile, in the United States, individual states have attempted to implement their own rules, with Utah requiring parental consent for younger users and Texas’ failed bill to ban social media for minors.

As countries grapple with the impact of social media, Malaysia joins the global conversation, aiming for a safer online environment for its youth. What are your thoughts on this ban? Share your comments below!