KUCHING: The plans to regulate smartphone use among children are being reviewed as authorities assess similar approaches being introduced in other countries, including Australia.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said discussions are already underway to explore possible guidelines on mobile device usage among children and study international practices before formulating local policies.
“Although this matter does not fall directly under my ministry, we have discussed it. The guideline, for instance, allows children to have and use mobile phones, but not smartphones.
“The same applies to certain games; this is still in the process of being determined. However, there are already views suggesting that action should be taken against certain service providers,” she said.
She said this when met by reporters after officiating an event at Wisma Kebajikan Masyarakat, Social Welfare Department (JKM) Sarawak Headquarters, on Saturday.
She added that in order to address growing concerns over children’s digital exposure, the government will refer to available sources and international practices before finalising any policy.
“For example, we are waiting to see how Australia plans to implement its new smartphone restriction policy for those under 16, expected to take effect in December.
“So, they said it will be implemented in December. We will observe whether it is suitable for our country because every nation is different.
“In Malaysia, discussions are already ongoing, and the proposal is in the process of being brought to the Cabinet, though it has not been presented yet,” she added.
Nancy also said that while mobile phones can be used by children to communicate with their parents or for returning home from school, the government aims to regulate the use of smartphones.
“And as for games like Roblox, the question is what actions should be taken and how to control them, because they clearly influence certain cases that have occurred, and it is really very damaging,” she stressed.
