Experts Warn Blanket Social Media Ban May Put Children at Greater Risk | KiddyNews

As Malaysia prepares to raise the minimum age for social media use, specialists caution that protection not prohibition should guide policy.

Concerns Over Blanket Bans

Child protection and cybersecurity experts are warning that an outright ban on social media for those under 16 could have unintended consequences, potentially pushing children into less regulated and riskier online spaces.

The Cabinet approved raising the minimum age for social media accounts to 16 last November, with enforcement expected by mid-2026 under the Online Safety Act, which is scheduled to come into force in July. The move aims to curb cyberbullying, exploitation and exposure to harmful content.

Children’s Needs Go Beyond Restriction

UNICEF Malaysia’s chief of child protection, Saskia Blume, said bans alone would not address the complex realities of children’s online lives.

She noted that digital platforms are not only sources of risk, but also places where children learn, express themselves and stay connected especially those who may feel isolated. According to Blume, removing access entirely could cut children off from support and information, driving them toward hidden or unsafe spaces.

She called for a child-rights-based approach that combines digital literacy, safer platform design, stronger accountability for tech companies, and greater support for parents and caregivers.

Risk of Migration to Unsafe Platforms

Selvakumar Manickam, director of the Cybersecurity Research Centre, said age-based bans may be easy to bypass and unlikely to stop children from seeking digital connection.

He warned that restricting access to mainstream, moderated platforms such as TikTok and Instagram could redirect young users to fringe or encrypted services with weaker safeguards, limited oversight and fewer reporting tools.

Such environments, he said, often lack artificial intelligence systems designed to detect grooming or harmful behaviour.

Safer Alternatives to Total Prohibition

Selvakumar suggested that “teen accounts” with built-in safety defaults such as restricted visibility, parental supervision and tighter content controls could offer a more balanced solution than a full ban.

Cybersecurity expert Mohamed Ridza Wahiddin from the International Islamic University Malaysia echoed these concerns, saying age-based restrictions have limited effectiveness as children often find ways around them.

He cited Australia’s experience, where millions of under-16 accounts were removed, yet teenagers continued accessing content through unlogged viewing, shared accounts or virtual private networks (VPNs). The move, he said, also led to increased use of obscure platforms with fewer safety protections.

Focus on Protection, Not Just Access

Rather than a blanket ban, Mohamed Ridza advocated for stronger technological safeguards, including AI-driven detection of harmful content, robust moderation systems and safe default settings. He also stressed the need for firm penalties against platform providers that fail to meet regulatory standards.

For families, experts say the message is clear: meaningful online safety comes from thoughtful design, education and shared responsibility ensuring children are protected while still able to learn, connect and grow in age-appropriate digital spaces.

Source:

The Vibes  – “Experts urge child-safety tech over blanket social media ban for under-16s”

The Star  – “Striking a balance with online safety”

Thoughtfully adapted by KiddyNews. Keeping parents and educators informed with the latest ECCE developments from Malaysia and beyond.