Malaysia is intensifying efforts to safeguard children online as policymakers and researchers highlight the growing risks minors face on social media. Experts say restricting access for users under 16 could help limit exposure to harmful material and online predators.
According to a Bernama report, academics and parents are increasingly supporting stronger safeguards following the introduction of new regulatory measures under the Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA).
Age verification for social media accounts has been enforced since 1 June under the Child Protection Code and Risk Mitigation Code introduced through ONSA. The policy aims to protect users under 16 by strengthening platform accountability and oversight, complementing broader national initiatives such as Malaysia’s ONSA 2025 framework for child online safety.
Research Highlights Growing Exposure to Online Risks
Dr Haryati Abdul Karim, senior lecturer at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), said restricting social media access for younger teenagers is increasingly necessary as online threats evolve. She cited findings from a UMS and UNICEF study titled Communication for Development (C4D), which showed that many Malaysian children as young as 13 already own smartphones and have largely unrestricted access to social media platforms.
“Without strict controls, teenagers risk exposure to harmful content such as violence, pornography, scams, and extremist ideologies like racism and Islamophobia,” – Dr Haryati Abdul Karim, Senior Lecturer, Universiti Malaysia Sabah
The C4D study identified at least six major online threats affecting Malaysian teenagers. Among them are violent content that may influence behaviour and the risk of sexual grooming through online interactions. These concerns have reinforced calls for stronger digital safeguards and policies that place greater responsibility on online platforms, as discussed in initiatives aimed at making digital platforms accountable for child online safety.
Age Limits Seen as One Part of a Broader Safety Framework
Dr Haryati said setting a minimum age of 16 for social media access is a reasonable safeguard, noting that teenagers aged 17 and above are generally more capable of evaluating and filtering online content independently. She pointed to similar regulatory steps in other jurisdictions, including Australia, which has introduced restrictions on social media access for younger users.
However, she cautioned that regulation alone cannot eliminate online risks. Teenagers may still bypass restrictions using tools such as virtual private networks (VPNs), making education and parental involvement essential elements of protection.
Strengthening digital literacy within families and schools is therefore critical. Experts also emphasise the importance of coordinated action between regulators, educators, families and technology companies, reflecting the multi-stakeholder approach to protecting children online that Malaysia has increasingly promoted.
Parents and Teachers Support Stronger Safeguards
Parents interviewed also welcomed the new age restrictions. Marius Kinsik, a 46‑year‑old mechanic from Ranau, described the measure as a practical safeguard that allows families to enforce clearer boundaries around social media use.
“My two older children, 18 and 20, were lucky. They started using the internet when social media wasn’t so toxic. Now, watching over my youngest is a lot more worrying. So much harmful content, and online predators are becoming more cunning,” – Marius Kinsik, Parent
Tracey Justine, a primary school teacher from Penampang and mother of two children aged 11 and 15, also supported the policy. She said social media pressures today are significantly more intense for young users than in previous years.
“As a teacher and a mother, I see that children today face far more aggressive pressure online. This restriction at least gives my two young children room to grow naturally, without being disturbed by the fake realities of the online world,” – Tracey Justine, Primary School Teacher
Both parents emphasised that legislation alone will not guarantee safer digital environments. They warned that families must avoid relying on digital devices as a substitute for supervision and instead reinforce consistent guidance and discipline at home.
This article is created with the assistance of OpenGov AI.
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