By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Feb 24: Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has called for a thorough review of the minimum age requirement for social media use in Malaysia, citing concerns over child safety and mental development.
Currently, most social media platforms set the minimum age at 13, while WhatsApp requires users to be at least 16.
However, Fahmi stressed that the widespread use of digital platforms among children, especially primary school students, warrants a closer examination of whether existing age restrictions are adequate.
“The impact of social media age limits needs to be carefully studied, as many children use platforms like YouTube to access information,” he said when winding up the debate on the Motion of Thanks for the Royal Address for the Ministry of Communications during the Dewan Rakyat session broadcasted live on the Malaysian Parliament’s YouTube channel today.
While acknowledging the role of social media in education, Fahmi urged parents and guardians to take greater responsibility in monitoring their children’s online activities.
He also encouraged the use of parental control applications and the exploration of safer digital alternatives.
Fahmi further called on all Members of Parliament (MPs) to support online safety campaigns and reinforce awareness that children under 13 are officially prohibited from opening accounts on social media.
“Children under 13 shouldn’t be on social media. Play football, go out with friends, do other activities. There’s no need to be on TikTok,” he added, warning that exposure to addictive social media algorithms could negatively affect children’s mental development. – DayakDaily
