KUALA LUMPUR — The move to set 16 as the minimum age for social media users is welcomed, but needs more clarity as well as added measures to ensure children navigate the online space safely and responsibly, experts have said.
Children’s Commissioner Associate Professor Dr Mohd Al Adib Samuri said while the proposal is a key step in reducing early exposure to risks such as harmful content, cyberbullying, sexual exploitation and privacy breaches, other positive functions of digital spaces must not face unnecessary restrictions.
“Different approaches may be needed based on age, risk level and type of platform.
“Higher-risk platforms can face stricter controls, but digital spaces focused on education, communication and self-development should remain accessible,” Mohd Al Adib told Bernama.
A comprehensive policy that addresses these issues will protect children from harm, while safeguarding their right to learn, grow and gradually engage in the digital world, he added.
Similarly, Malaysian Cyber Consumer Association (MCCA) president Siraj Jalil said the proposed age limit must be complemented by stronger digital literacy from an early stage of education.
He said digital literacy is crucial, as the online environment is now an integral part of everyday life.
“Without it, users may create content without regard for others’ sensitivities, misuse platform features and struggle to distinguish between accurate and false information,” he said.
Siraj proposed that digital literacy education include modules on managing digital identity, cyber threats, device security, verifying information sources, and understanding the benefits, risks and potential misuse of artificial intelligence (AI).
National Parents-Teachers Association Consultative Council (PIBGN) president Associate Professor Datuk Dr Mohamad Ali Hasan said the under-16 ban proposal was a progressive step towards ensuring a safer online environment.
But he also urged the government to clearly outline how the policy will be implemented to ensure it achieves its intended goals.
“We need clarity on how restrictions will be enforced and which platforms are involved. If access to one platform is blocked, young users may simply turn to others,” he said.
CPC International managing director and child psychologist Dr Noor Aishah Rosli said active parental involvement in allowing minors to own devices and access social media is necessary.
“We cannot completely deny children the right to socialise, as it is essential to developing social identity. While the government and platforms play a role, parents must also remain actively involved.
"However, overly strict restrictions may lead to resistance, as young individuals tend to react negatively to excessive control. Parents should instead guide them towards beneficial content,” she said.
Nevertheless, setting the minimum age at 16 is appropriate from a developmental perspective, as it is the age when individuals are generally more capable of abstract thinking and emotional regulation, enabling more mature online interactions, she added.
Noor Aishah said the age limit could help reduce risks among minors, including anxiety, depression, stress and social media addiction.
“This could also encourage healthier relationships with family and peers through physical activities, rather than relying solely on online interaction,” she said.
The age limit regulation is to be enforced as early as June. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is still conducting engagement sessions with relevant stakeholders.
The process aims to gather comprehensive feedback, address concerns and ensure the government’s goal of protecting children and families online is achieved.
The minimum age regulation is part of the Online Safety Act which came into force on January 1. - April 26, 2026
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