KUCHING: A blanket ban on social media use for individuals under 16 is seen as a wise move to protect teenagers’ mental health and safety.
Betong Branch Social Welfare Department (PKMB) psychologist Auddin Rizal Riduan described social media as a modern-day “diary” for youth, emphasising that the success of such a ban depends heavily on parental involvement and digital literacy.
“In today’s digital era, social media has become a personal space for youth, but meaningful protection requires active parental engagement,” he said.
He added that digital literacy education and effective monitoring mechanisms are essential to ensure the policy achieves its intended goals in a balanced and realistic manner.
From a developmental psychology perspective, Auddin explained that restricting access could help shield adolescents from high-risk online content, including cyberbullying and the psychological pressures associated with social comparison.
“Although the ban may initially come as a shock to those under 16, who often view social media as a necessity, unregulated usage can negatively affect the development of social skills and healthy digital communication,” he noted.
To mitigate risks such as addiction, anxiety, and stress, Auddin suggested that parents play an active role during the transition by providing emotional guidance and encouraging youth to pursue interests and activities beyond social media.
Meanwhile, at the policy level, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is developing subsidiary regulations under the Online Safety Act 2025 (Act 866), which place responsibility on service providers to ensure their platforms are inaccessible to users under 16 and that content shown to users under 18 is age-appropriate.
Under the regulations, service providers are also required to offer parental control settings, implement age-verification measures, and prepare online safety plans to demonstrate compliance, reinforcing accountability in protecting children and adolescents from harmful online content.
From a psychosocial standpoint, Auddin emphasised that while a total ban may serve as a strong preliminary protective measure, a sustainable long-term approach should incorporate digital literacy education, parental guidance, and clear boundaries set by both parents and teachers.
“Parents and teachers must exercise wisdom in guiding the use of digital platforms among those under 16 by establishing clear limitations and responsible usage guidelines,” he said.
