Consider banning under-16s from using social media, say lawyers

teen social media — Three lawyers say prohibiting those aged 16 and below from using social media platforms can curb online abuse and cyberbullying. (Envato Elements pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: Legal experts have urged the government to consider banning children below the age of 16 from using social media platforms.

They point to the example set by Australia, which banned those aged 16 and below from using social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, Reddit, and X on Thursday.

Lawyer Muhammad Akram Abdul Aziz said the government should draft, review or amend existing laws to ensure such regulations effectively curb social media use among this age group.

“Nearly all social media platforms already have minimum age requirements for account creation. Therefore, it is not unreasonable for our government to ban this group from using or accessing social media.

“This ban is necessary because young individuals are at risk of being influenced by harmful trends or deceived by misleading information. Even adults can be swayed by fake posts, let alone those underage and less mature,” he told Bernama.

Lawyer Ahmad Fahmi Moin said existing laws addressing issues like pornography and cyberbullying, such as the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588), are sufficient for government agencies and enforcement bodies to monitor and take action against social media abuse.

“However, if there are studies by experts, academics or NGOs which show social media usage is harmful or has adverse effects on children below 16, perhaps our government could impose a similar ban like Australia,” he said.

Lawyer Nizam Bashir also said the government should emulate Australia and consider introducing similar laws or review existing ones to regulate and prevent those under 16 from using social media.

“Such laws would have some impact on freedom of speech, but if the restrictions are moderate or minimal, they will not unconstitutionally violate fundamental rights,” Bernama quoted him as saying.

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