Kuala Lumpur: After Australia, Malaysia is preparing to impose strict restrictions on social media use for children in an effort to enhance online safety. The government is considering a nationwide ban on social media accounts for users below the age of 16, a move expected to take effect next year, according to officials.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said on Sunday that Malaysia is closely examining global models—particularly Australia’s new age-limit framework—to understand how countries are safeguarding minors from digital harm. He emphasised that the measure is essential to protect young users from cyberbullying, financial scams, and cases of child sexual exploitation that have been rising on online platforms.
According to a report by Malaysia’s local daily The Star, the government hopes major social media platforms will comply with the new rule by next year. “We expect that by next year, social media platforms will accept the government’s decision, which will prohibit individuals below 16 from opening a user account,” the report quoted officials as saying.
Globally, concerns around the impact of social media on children’s mental health and safety have escalated. Platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, Google services, and Meta-owned Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram are under scrutiny for contributing to mental health crises among minors. In the United States, lawsuits are underway against several tech giants over their alleged failure to protect young users.
Australia has already taken a bold stance. From next month, all registered social media accounts belonging to users under 16 will be deactivated, drawing international attention to the country’s pioneering step.
Malaysia, too, has intensified its monitoring of digital platforms in recent months. Officials say content linked to online gambling, hate speech, religious tensions, and harmful behaviour is increasing rapidly. Under new regulations introduced in January, social media and messaging platforms with more than eight million users in Malaysia are required to obtain an operating licence.
The proposed age-based social media ban signals Malaysia’s push toward a safer digital ecosystem for children—and could serve as a model for other nations grappling with similar concerns.
